Reference Guide

1207
Using audio devices in Windows 7
Improving audio performance
Using audio devices in Windows 7
SONAR introduces several enhancements for communicating with audio devices in Windows 7,
including:
• Support for WASAPI, which is the new standard for audio in Windows 7 and future Windows
operating systems.
• MMCSS task profile support.
• Optimized WaveRT streaming.
See:
“WASAPI support” on page 1207
“MMCSS task profile support” on page 1208
“WaveRT updates” on page 1209
WASAPI support
SONAR provides support for WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API), which is the new standard for
audio in Windows 7 and future Windows operating systems.
The primary advantages of WASAPI are:
• Better compatibility with consumer audio devices:
• Supports a wide variety of audio devices, including newer WaveRT devices and legacy
Windows audio devices.
• Lets you use consumer audio devices that don’t have ASIO drivers or drivers that don’t work
well under WDM.
• Provides low latency access to audio devices.
Using WASAPI in Windows 7
WASAPI has four different modes of operation. SONAR supports WASAPI Exclusive mode using
event signaling, because this mode is best suited for audio programs.
In order to use WASAPI in SONAR, your audio device must have WDM drivers that Windows can
successfully communicate with, and the audio device must be enabled to work in Exclusive mode.
Exclusive mode is the default in Windows 7 and can be configured from your audio device’s taskbar
or Properties dialog box in Device Manager. Consult your audio device’s manual if you need further
information.