Static/Crackling when playing virtual instruments via MIDI controller

Hi there. I'm familiar with audio recording in Cubase but I'm brand new to Reaper and brand new to controlling virtual instruments via MIDI controllers. I 'm trying to use instruments from Komplete Elements and trigger them with an Akai MPK mini but when I play any instrument, I hear crackling/static in the background. It only lasts as long as the instrument is active (audible)and there's no other line noise, just when I play virtual instruments. I've adjusted a few buffer settings, didn't notice any difference, then set them back. I've tried tinkering around in the Preferences menu under the Options tab and I've run into a dead end. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

you need to tell us much more about your audio interface and your settings for it.

Don't use waveout. Use either ASIO with this helpful generic driver: or switch your audio system to WASAPI and see what happens - there's a chance it will work nice too.