Our verdict: ASIO4ALL lets music software use low-latency ASIO on almost any Windows audio device, which makes playing virtual instruments on a laptop practical. It is free and does not replace your sound driver. Results depend on the hardware, and a dedicated audio interface with its own ASIO driver is still better.
About ASIO4ALL
ASIO4ALL was started by Michael Tippach in 2003 to get ASIO support for a laptop's built-in audio. It is a hardware-independent ASIO driver for WDM audio devices that uses WDM Kernel Streaming to reach low latency. It is free for end users; commercial resale or bundling is restricted.
Music software such as a DAW selects ASIO4ALL v2 as its ASIO driver, and the ASIO4ALL control panel lists the audio devices in your system so you can choose which inputs and outputs to use and set the buffer size. ASIO4ALL does not replace or modify your existing sound card driver and installs no kernel-mode components.
What it does well
- Universal ASIO. Adds ASIO support to built-in, USB and other WDM audio devices.
- Low latency. Uses WDM Kernel Streaming to cut the delay between playing and hearing.
- Device list. Choose which inputs and outputs of which devices the ASIO driver uses.
- Safe install. Does not replace your sound driver or install kernel-mode components.
- Windows on ARM. Version 2.22 supports Windows on ARM in emulation and native mode.
Who it is for
Good fit
Musicians using a DAW or virtual instruments on a laptop or PC without an audio interface.
Look elsewhere
Owners of audio interfaces that ship their own ASIO driver, and people who only listen to music or watch videos.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free low-latency ASIO for any device
- Does not touch your sound driver
- Small installer
- Supports Windows on ARM
Cons
- Latency and stability depend on the hardware
- Only useful in software that supports ASIO
- Panel is technical for beginners
How to install ASIO4ALL
Download the installer from asio4all.org and run it. In your music software, open the audio settings and choose ASIO4ALL v2 as the driver, then open the ASIO4ALL panel to enable your device and lower the buffer size until playback crackles, then raise it a step. ASIO4ALL only runs while an ASIO program is using it.
Questions about ASIO4ALL
Is ASIO4ALL free?
Yes. It is free for end users, including commercial use. Reselling or bundling it is restricted.
Do I need ASIO4ALL if my audio interface has its own driver?
No. Use the manufacturer's ASIO driver; ASIO4ALL is meant for devices that have none.
