Since by reading your post audio was ok when SWR was higher and noisy after you fiddled with the antenna Go over closely what you fiddled with .
I would also check to make sure you haven’t partially shorted then antenna cable
nosaj
N1EBC
WOOT! WOOT! You are now in my "Biographical Info"! I have been talking on my CB radios since I was 14 and started out with a cobra 19 plus. I now have several radios, and my favorite is the General Lee. I have a monkey made antenna and I am a Davemade Fan! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.