In case you've been suffering from the same audio issues described here:

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?82320-This-audio-issue-has-to-go-Please-see-for-audio-file...

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?83652-Hero-VIII-sound-issues-(yet-another-thread)

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?84003-ASUS-ROG-Maximus-VIII-Formula-Sound-and-shutdown-iss...

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?77456-Realtek-drivers-open-and-close-audio-channels-and-ca...

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?76546-Popping-sound-issue-on-VIII-HERO

Try removing the Realtek driver completely as well as Sonic Studio (in case it doesn't uninstall along with the driver), reboot the pc, go into windows updates and search for new updates. If you are lucky - you'll get a new update with a Realtek sound driver. Let is install then reboot and check if this fixes the issue.

Not 100% sure but it seems to have worked for me. It installed 7836 version dated 21/05/2016 and it doesn't include Sonic Studio but at least i don't get that obnoxious popping sound every time something starts or stops playing.

I've stopped using Realtek drivers completely 2 month's ago and started using stock windows drivers (no changes in sound quality by the way in case you are wondering) but few days ago i've installed new windows updates and it forced the sound driver on me as well. Turned out - it didn't have the same popping issues as all other drivers did.

Hopefully it works for everyone else as well.