Audio Drivers

Hi PeterD,

Thanks for choosing Microsoft Community.

In your description, you have a question about the current audio driver used by Windows. I will explain and provide some steps for you below.

WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API) is an API used by Windows to control audio devices. While audio programs like Audacity can use WASAPI drivers, the default audio system in Windows may use different drivers.

How to Check the Currently Used Audio Driver

1. Open Device Manager
   • Press the Windows key and search for Device Manager, then open it.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
2. Select the Audio Device
   • Right-click on the audio device you are using and select Properties.
3. Check the Driver Tab
   • In the Driver tab, you can see details about the currently used driver, including the driver provider and version.

Check if Audacity is Using WASAPI

1. Open Audacity
   • Run Audacity and select Preferences from the Edit menu.
2. Select Audio Device
   • In the Devices tab, check the Host dropdown menu. You should be able to select WASAPI here.
   • After selecting it, you can confirm that Audacity is processing audio through WASAPI.

Whether Windows is Using WASAPI

Windows primarily uses WASAPI by default, but it can also use other drivers (like ASIO, MME, etc.). When you select WASAPI in Audacity, the audio is processed through that driver.

Additional Tips

• Check Audio Settings: To check your audio devices in Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound to confirm the default device.
• Audio Test: After selecting WASAPI in Audacity, try recording or playing back audio to ensure everything is working properly.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi Zev. Thanks for your reply. When I check the windows property sheet for an audio device, it does not say what type of driver is used. Audacity shows you exactly what it will use and that it overrides what Windows would use.

As for Zoom, it is unclear what setting I should use as pictured below. I understand that Zoom is outside of your responsibility but that you may have an opinion. Also, I'm using a USB audio mixer Yamaha MG10XU and I wondering what drivers it uses and could there be a conflict.

Sorry to ask so many questions.

Thanks for your assistance.

PeterD

Hi PeterD.

Thanks for your reply.

I understand that you have found the tool Audacity which will show you the drivers you are using.

Regarding the Zoom issue, this is indeed outside my support area, and also, so that I don't provide you with the wrong insights, you can contact Zoom's support staff at the link below, and they will be able to provide you with more targeted assistance in this area.

https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/contact?id=contact_us

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

Regarding the question about whether there is a conflict with the current yamaha driver, you can tell by whether there is an audio problem (such as distortion or noise, etc.) while using it, or by checking to see if it bluescreens.

As for the specifics of this driver, you can contact yamaha support at the link below and they will be able to provide you with more targeted assistance in this area.

https://usa.yamaha.com/support/contacts/index.html

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi Zen,

Thank you for your reply, it helps. I will contact Zoom and Yamaha as suggested.

You can close the ticket.

Have a nice day.

PeterD