SB AWE 64 Cannot play two sounds at once

[MacGyver]

If I am using my SBAWE64 Value ISA to play MP3's with WinAmp for example, no other application can play sound (like my email notification program) and I don't even get Windows sounds for things like error messages.

I just installed the latest drivers, so that isn't it. Is this a configuration issue or a limitation of the card itself? I was thinking about getting a new card anyway to move to PCI. Any ideas?

[Rellik]

One thing is to make sure Winamp's MP3 Output plugin in the preferences is set to Nullsoft DirectSound instead of WaveOut.
I really don't know at what point the system sounds use the DirectSound but they shound use it.

DirectSound (part of DirectX)it what allows multiple simultanious sound playback and if the application does not support it than it can't happen

[MacGyver]

Nuts, I was looking for a legitmate excuse to get a different card.... j/k...

OK, I will give that a try when I get home. Thanks Rellik.

[Rellik]

The only reason I would keep the AWE64 is it has better legacy DOS support, all my DOS programs (that use sound) crash with my Live! value card, I may post that here and try to get help but it does not matter much right now.

If you do get a new card go for a higher end Live! I especially like the Platinum's Live!Drive

[MacGyver]

I agree, the SBAWE64 in unmatched for legacy support, however I don't play any old DOS games anymore. In fact I don't play many games period. I was just going to pick up a bare bones SB128 or something like that. The Live!Drive is nice however I don't have any free bays left in my PC. Thanks for all the help, Rellik.

[Antimatter]

Try the standard WDM drivers if Rellik's suggestion doesn't work. I'm running the same card at the moment & it works sweet as a multi noise system. Wouldn't mind a SB Live! though. :)

[Rellik]

about the only reasons to get a Live! are 4 speakers/surround and EAX
which are pretty good