REW issues - popping, static in frequency sweep output.

@mahler123 REW:  A room equalization wizard that generates and measures a frequency sweep or pink noise signal for determining required room correction. 
 

@macg19:  From the data,  seems like you successfully isolated the problem to the mike or mic-computer interface.  I am still focused on clipping due to overloading an output-input interface, a bad wire or connection, or simply a bad mic since all of @richardbrand ​​​​and @jpag excellent recommendations did not isolate root cause.  I am sure you did, but I will ask anyway … did you calibrate the mic according to the REW OEM’s instructions?  Did you contact the REW OEM for recommendations?  I will now bow to the others here more knowledgeable on computer interfaces    Good luck.  

I am sorry, one other thought came to mind.  Probably not the case based on your computer but worth discussing for a complete root cause analysis.  If you computer buffer is not large enough or fast enough, the measured audio signal may not be able to process the data completely, resulting in the popping sound you are experiencing.  Increasing buffer size and turning off as many background programs as possible may assist.  The counterpoint to this is you only experience the anomaly when using the external mic, and not with the computer mic; so, the buffer may be adequate.  Regardless, I would tolerance stack the OEM buffer requirements for speed and size against your hardware.  

OP:

I don’t understand. How else would I get a sweep test tone from REW installed on my PC to play through my speakers but via my integrated amp? 

That answers my question.  No, you did not connect your speakers directly to your laptop.  You have an amplifier in the middle, which is correct. 

btw the popping noises have nothing to do with connecting to my integrated. The popping is present on my laptop speakers/ear buds when USB mic is connected and goes away when I unplug the mic.

This sounds like a potential internal power issue.  Really suggest you go the external DAC route. 

Another low cost option to try, is if you have a powered USB hub.  It doesn't rely on your laptop's USB 5V supply.  

I installed ASIO drivers and while REW sees them, it doesn't produce any sound. The REW developer responded and has requested screen s shots of the sound card preferences - stay tuned.