Using Windows System Audio with UA Interfaces: WDM & ASIO

Updated March 08, 2026 01:48

WDM & ASIO are different audio driver modes that are configured separately in Windows.

Most applications outside of DAW environments are limited to WDM only.

When using UA interfaces in DAW environments outside of LUNA, use ASIO as the driver mode.

Used widely for general applications such as media players, web browsers, streaming, conferencing, and games.
Native to Windows and is configured directly in the operating system.
The following driver modes also fall under WDM classification:
- MME (Multimedia Extensions)
- DirectSound (DirectX)
- WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API)

Available in software designed for pro-audio applications, such as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
Requires additional drivers that are provided by the manufacturer of audio hardware devices.
Offers low latency and full multichannel I/O support with audio interfaces.

For optimal system performance, follow these guidelines when using UA interfaces in WDM & ASIO environments.

Configure the Sample Rate settings between ASIO and WDM to match one another. If Sample Rate settings do not match, unexpected audio playback issues can occur.
When UA interfaces are actively in use by a WDM application, the Sample Rate setting may be grayed out until that app is terminated.
WDM apps may need to be terminated and restarted after changing Sample Rate settings to restore audio playback.
WDM is configured within the Windows operating system: Configure Windows Sound Settings
ASIO is configured within the DAW's audio settings and in Console Settings.
Make sure your Windows PC is fully optimized: Optimizing Windows for UA Devices

Additional Notes:

When using LUNA, select APOLLO or VOLT as the audio device when using UA interfaces for the best integration.

UAD DSP Plug-Ins and Drivers requires Windows 10 64-bit edition or Windows 11.
UAD Software v11.8.3 and newer requires Windows 10 April 2018 Update (v1803) and newer. We recommend using the latest available version of Windows 10 for optimal performance.