ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) devices are low-latency audio drivers that provide direct communication between software and professional audio hardware, offering better performance than standard Windows audio drivers.

What are ASIO devices:

• Professional audio drivers that bypass Windows audio processing
• Provide lower latency (delay) between audio processing and output
• Commonly used with professional audio interfaces and sound cards
• Offer more precise timing and better audio quality for broadcast applications

Benefits of ASIO:

• Lower latency - Reduced delay between audio processing and playback
• Better performance - More efficient audio processing
• Professional compatibility - Works with broadcast-grade audio equipment
• Stable timing - More consistent audio timing for live broadcasting

How to enable ASIO devices in PlayIt Live:

1. Go to File > Settings
2. Click on the Advanced tab
3. Look for the ASIO Devices section
4. You'll see a list of available ASIO devices on your system
5. Tick the checkbox next to the ASIO device you want to use
6. Click OK to save your settings
7. Restart PlayIt Live for the changes to take effect

Important notes:

• Restart required: You must restart PlayIt Live after enabling ASIO devices
• Explicit initialisation: ASIO devices must be explicitly enabled to avoid conflicts with standard drivers
• Professional hardware: You need compatible professional audio hardware that supports ASIO drivers
• One at a time: Generally, you should only enable one ASIO device to avoid conflicts

When to use ASIO: ASIO is particularly beneficial for professional radio stations using dedicated audio interfaces, mixing consoles, or when precise audio timing is critical for live broadcasting.