In case it helps as you research this, as Jim's article shows, the correct term for this is WASAPI drivers. They date well back before Windows 7.

You asked if anyone has experience. Yes, on my system, BIAB does not work well with the WASAPI driver. But I use an external MIDI synth by Roland, in case it matters, and a Focusrite Scarlett interface.

In general, everyone should experiment with MME and ASIO drivers, then WASAPI, and choose what works best for the equipment you have. Only try ASIO4ALL if all else fails, because ASIO4ALL is not ASIO; it's just a wrapper to emulate MME.

Noel gave the info you need: no point in using anything in BIAB other than MME (which I understand to be an implementation of WDM) unless you record in BIAB or use a MIDI controller.

ASIO (except the newest multi-user ASIO) is one program only; thus MME is a 'normal' choice (unless, as above...).

I haven't had success with WASAPI so I haven't experimented much, but I did not know it's one program only (assuming that advice is true).


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.