Reference Guide

1134
Improving audio performance
Using audio devices in Windows Vista
Exclusive mode requires exclusive access to the audio device. Another program will not be able to
use the audio device simultaneously with SONAR.
To enable WASAPI mode in SONAR
1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio - Playback and Recording.
2. In the Driver Mode list, select WASAPI.
3. Select the Audio - Devices page tab (Edit > Preferences > Audio - Devices).
4. In the Input Drivers and Output Drivers lists, select the desired input and output ports.
5. Click OK to close the Preferences dialog.
See also:
“WaveRT updates” on page 1135
MMCSS task profile support
The Multimedia Class Scheduler Service (MMCSS) provides Windows multimedia programs,
including SONAR, with prioritized access to CPU resources for time-sensitive processing.
By default, SONAR uses the MMCSS task profile named Pro Audio. If desired, you can instruct
SONAR to use a custom MMCSS task profile.
To use a custom MMCSS task profile in SONAR
1. Determine the name of the MMCSS task profile that you want to use. MMCSS task profiles are
listed in the Windows registry under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile\Tasks. Ensure that the registry entry exists for
the profile you want to use.
2. If you have added any new profiles, reboot your computer to allow the MMCSS service to see
the new profiles.
3. In SONAR, go to Edit > Preferences > Audio - Configuration File.
4. Under Configuration Settings, click Edit Config File.
The Aud.ini file opens in the default Windows text editor.
Tip: If you select Share Drivers With Other Programs in Edit > Preferences > Audio -
Playback and Recording
, SONAR will relinquish control of the audio device when the program
loses Windows focus.
Note: The WASAPI driver mode is only available when using Windows Vista SP1 or a later
operating system.