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Reference · 2 min read

Shared and exclusive audio paths

A shared audio path lets multiple applications contribute streams to a common endpoint. An exclusive path, when supported and requested, gives one application more direct control of the selected endpoint's stream format and use.

How the pieces connect

In shared operation, the operating system's audio engine can mix application streams and convert them to a common format. Exclusive access changes which component manages some of those decisions and may prevent other applications from using the same endpoint at that time. The available behavior depends on the application, device path, and supported interfaces.

An everyday example

A music player and a notification sound can coexist through a shared endpoint without each coordinating directly with the other. A specialized recording application may instead request a path optimized for its timing or format needs. Other sounds becoming unavailable during that session can be a consequence of the access arrangement rather than a missing physical connection.

Reading the information in context

Exclusive access is not inherently the right choice for every workload, and shared operation is not inherently low quality. Usability, format conversion, and timing requirements must be considered together. This explanation does not instruct readers to override application policies. The relevant application's documentation and the equipment's supported modes provide the context needed to understand its particular choices.

Reading map: Shared and exclusive audio pathsFirst 3 topics in reading order: How the pieces connect; An everyday example; Reading the information in context. Each topic links to its section or page.INSIDE THIS PAGEShared and exclusive audio paths1How the pieces connect1 paragraph2An everyday example1 paragraph3Reading the informationin context1 paragraph

Audio

Note these before you change anything

Useful facts to have to hand while reading about shared and exclusive audio paths.

  • The default playback and recording devices
  • Sample rate and bit depth in the device properties
  • Enabled enhancements or spatial sound
  • Driver name and version, and whether it is a built-in class driver or a vendor one

Audio: Playback (output); recording runs the other way

  1. Applicationplays a stream
  2. Audio enginemixes and resamples
  3. Audio driverbuilt-in class or vendor
  4. Codec or DACconverts digital to analogue
  5. Speakers or headphonesanalogue or USB
Conceptual schematic of a selected path, not every request. Shown in one direction; the reverse direction uses related layers. Real systems add services, filter drivers and firmware not shown. Highlighted: the layer a driver change affects.

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