Are most (if not all) audio endpoints PCM?

Question

I'm writing a Pro Audio application using WASAPI. All of the devices on my machine have a engine format of 16-bit or 24-bit PCM. Considering this, I'm wondering whether or not it's safe to make the assumption that all audio endpoints have PCM as their native format.

Do they? If not, what kind of devices don't?

Answer 1

It is definitely not safe to assume that all devices are 16 or 24 bit PCM. I know that choosing the right format is a big tricky. But it could be also something like 32 bit IeeeFloat. But, as a user you can only set 16 or 24 bit -> it is most of the time 16 or 24 bit. Anyway. You could also use the exclusive mode. In the exclusive mode, you can specify a format yourself. But remember: You have to be allowed to use exclusive mode AND with exclusive mode, all other playbacks on the whole system will be stopped. -> I would not recommend to use exclusive mode. Just check the most important formats like 16 and 24 bit PCM, 32 bit IeeeFloat and the rest is just not supported.