Analog audio output from Ipad Air 4th gen via USB-C adapter

NOTE: before posting this, I was asked "which device is this about?", and the iPad Air 4th generation was NOT in the pick list, so I picked the same model's 3rd generation.

Anyway, I produce a podcast, and while we're recording, I use my iPad to add real-time music and sfx into the mix. Up until now, it's been easy. I had a 5th generation Ipad (~ 5 yrs old) with an analog 3.5mm headphone jack. Using adaptor cables I could connect this to a line-level input in my mixer. Solid connection; easy to manage.

Poor me, I upgraded to an iPad Air 4th generation about a month ago. In anticipation, after reading the specs and seeing that there's no headphone or lightning connectors, I ordered a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio adapter, directly from Apple. It fits into the iPad Air's only port - a USB-C port.

This iPad sounds great through its speakers or via Bluetooth to AirPods. But whenever I'm using the adaptor and going into my mixer, I'm getting fairly regular audio pops, about one every 3-4 seconds. I've swapped cables, tried other gear, tried everything I can think of (except a different adapter), and the issue hasn't gone away. In other respects the sound quality is fine, but the pops are a deal-breaker.

Has anyone else had an issue with using the analog audio output from this model of iPad? I know enough to know there's a DAC converter inside the iPad doing the work, but I'm wondering if there's a bug in the chip or software, and it's not been noticed because so many people don't use an iPad this way any more. Or that my adapter is bad?

My workaround for now: Use my wife's old iPad (same as my old one) and its 3.5 mm audio output. And maybe buy another USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, this time maybe not directly from Apple.

After just shelling out $800+, I didn't think THIS would be an issue.