diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 4990488..a337ff0 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -838,7 +838,18 @@ def main() -> int:
     except Exception as exc:
         logger.warning("Could not set CPU governor (non-root?): %s", exc)
 
-    import argparse
+    # Disable Python garbage collector to prevent 10-50ms GC pauses in
+    # the real-time audio callback. At ~500 numpy allocs/sec in the
+    # pipeline, default GC (threshold=700) triggers every ~1.4s,
+    # causing audible pops. Reference counting handles 99% of cleanup.
+    try:
+        import gc
+        gc.disable()
+        logger.info("GC disabled for RT audio stability")
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.warning("Could not disable GC: %s", exc)
+
+    logger.info("Pedal v2 starting up...")
 
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
         description="Pi Multi-FX Pedal — real-time guitar multi-effects",