I will also add that that MME/WDM is limited to only 2 channels input. For instance on my Zoom R16 I can record 8 inputs at a time. ASIO supports true 24-bit samples, unlike Windows MME and DirectSound which only pass the upper 16 bits. True 24-bit samples offer the potential for a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
One caveat is that, since ASIO is now such a popular format, some manufacturers only release WDM drivers with limited I/O support.
Brian


BIAB 2024 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 6.5 Windows 10