Quick answer: Unity Audio Mixer snapshot transitions producing audible pops? Calling TransitionTo with 0 seconds snaps instantly — pops on big deltas. Use a tiny non-zero time (50-100ms).

Switching from gameplay to pause snapshot pops every time. The transition time is 0; volume drops 12dB in a single frame.

Non-Zero Transition

pauseSnapshot.TransitionTo(0.1f);

0.1s = 100ms ramp. Inaudible visually, eliminates the pop. Tune for transition feel (50ms for snap, 500ms for ambient).

Avoid Big Deltas

Even with ramp, >20dB step can pop on some platforms. Layer transitions: -6dB ducking + filter sweep instead of one big drop.

Blend Snapshots

AudioMixer.TransitionToSnapshots(snapshots, weights, time) blends multiple snapshots by weight. Good for “ambient + UI focus” layered moods.

Sample Rate Quirks

Some platforms have higher pop risk than others. Test on the slowest target hardware. Reduce to 50ms across the board if you ship to multiple.

Verifying

Snapshot transitions sound smooth on every platform tested. No audible click or pop at the moment of swap.

“Instant snapshot = pop. Use 50-200ms transitions for clean swaps.”

Set a project-wide minimum transition time in a wrapper — callers can’t accidentally pass 0.