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Re: That works only with main soundcard + usb s/pdif adapter...

Posted by Presto (A) on April 10, 2007 at 11:06:15

In Reply to: That works only with main soundcard + usb s/pdif adapter... posted by Yashu on April 10, 2007 at 05:18:54:

"You cannot remove the mixer functions completely from your main soundcard and still use all the regular functions"

You don't need to "remove mixer functions". ASIO mixer mixer functions are separate from WDM mixer functions, except where Windows is given "access" to ASIO volume sliders. This access is simply sharing functionalty - not proof at ALL that ASIO is somehow failing to talk directly to the hardware and not use the Windows Audio Stack.

"Using ASIO without disabling mixer functions still threads the stream through the main volume and bass/treble sliders, unless..."

Nope. ASIO bypasses the Windows Audio Stack completely. Always. Any "volume control" functionality is "lent" to windows from the ASIO mixer. Any routing through the Windows Audio Stack MUST be done via a "WDM" side of the device driver, since ASIO *CANNOT* route through the Windows Audio Stack. Again, if this "sharing" of level controls is concerning you, pick a non-ASIO device for the default Windows device and use the ASIO device for 2-channel only. Even then, the ASIO device WILL have "mixer" functions. Getting an ASIO device with no mixer functions (if even possible) is a waste of time. Just do not attenuate any sliders (or add gain) and you're fine.

There are DTS passthrough tests that are definitive proof of whether or not bit-perfect passthrough is going one. These tests, NOT SLIDER OPERATION, are the "acid test". Slider operation is not intuitive and causes much confusion as to what is being streamed where. You can believe that ASIO does not work if you want to, but you're worrying for nothing. Do some research, and I am sure you will come to the same conclusions about how ASIO streams audio differently than WDM drivers.

Cheers,
Presto

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