Foobar2000:Preferences:Output
DirectSound
![](/images/thumb/7/7a/Playback_output_ds.png/300px-Playback_output_ds.png)
Output audio using the Direct Sound APIs.
DirectSound v2.0
Similar to Direct Sound 1.0, but allows fade out.
Recommended for maximum compatability.
![](/images/thumb/5/57/Playback_output_ds2.png/300px-Playback_output_ds2.png)
Kernel Streaming
![](/images/thumb/0/0e/Playback_output_ks.png/300px-Playback_output_ks.png)
Output sound using the more exotic Kernal Streaming API. This will bypass the standard Windows sound mixer. As a result, foobar volume will not be influenced by Wave volume in Windows. Requires driver support, and may be unstable for cards with poorly written drivers.
Note: No one has provided non-anecdotal proof that using Kernel Streaming instead of DirectSound or waveOut provides higher audio quality.
waveOut
![](/images/thumb/1/14/Playback_output_waveout.png/300px-Playback_output_waveout.png)
Use Wave Out mode to output sound.