The device has, in addition to the usual I/O request protocol, a set of functions that allows the programmer to gain full control (at least as much as possible with device independence) over the audio hardware. The advantages are low overhead and much more advanced control over the playing sounds. The disadvantages are greater complexity and only one user per sound card.
If you want to play music or sound effects for a game, record in high quality or want to do realtime effects, this is the API to use.
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