Important Settings for Windows Users

Important Settings for Windows Users

Overview

Due to the way that Windows handles the sharing of audio and video drivers, there are some settings that must be changed in order to ensure a smooth experience with not just Sessionwire, but audio software in general.

Exclusive Mode

What is Exclusive Mode?

Exclusive mode is a Windows audio setting that allows a single application to take full control of an audio device, such as speakers or a microphone. When enabled, the application locks the device, preventing other programs from using it and bypassing Windows audio processing (e.g., volume controls or effects). This is often used for low-latency or high-fidelity audio tasks, like professional music production.

Why Exclusive Mode Isn’t Ideal for Sessionwire

Sessionwire relies on seamless audio routing and simultaneous access to audio devices for real-time collaboration. Exclusive mode can disrupt this by locking the audio device to one application, preventing Sessionwire from sharing the device with other tools or processes, which may cause audio dropouts or connection issues.

How to Disable Exclusive Mode for All Audio Devices


To ensure Sessionwire works smoothly, disable exclusive mode for all audio devices in Windows:

  1. Open Sound Settings:

    • Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings, or go to Control Panel > Sound.

  2. Manage Playback Devices:

    • In Sound settings, scroll to Advanced sound options and click Manage sound devices, or in Control Panel, go to the Playback tab.

    • Select each playback device (e.g., Speakers, Headphones) one by one.

  3. Disable Exclusive Mode for Playback:

    • Click Properties for the selected device, then go to the Advanced tab.

    • Uncheck both "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority".

    • Click Apply and OK.

  4. Repeat for Recording Devices:

    • In the Sound window, switch to the Recording tab.

    • Select each recording device (e.g., Microphone) and repeat the steps above to uncheck exclusive mode options.

  5. Restart Sessionwire:

    • Close and reopen Sessionwire to ensure the changes take effect.


By disabling exclusive mode, you allow Sessionwire and other applications to share audio devices, ensuring stable performance during collaborative sessions. 

Understanding and Disabling Mono Audio Mode

What is Mono Audio Mode?

Mono Audio Mode is a Windows accessibility feature that combines the left and right audio channels of audio drivers into a single channel, outputting the same sound to both channels. This is designed to assist users with hearing impairments in one ear, ensuring that they hear all audio content. It's found in the Accessibility section of Windows System Settings.

Why Mono Audio Mode Isn't Ideal for Sessionwire

Sessionwire depends on stereo audio to deliver accurate spatial sound and multi-channel collaboration, critical for music production and real-time communication. Enabling Mono Audio mode merges stereo channels, which can disrupt the intended audio experience, cause loss of directional cues, or affect mix accuracy during sessions.

 How To Disable Mono Audio Mode in Windows


To ensure Sessionwire functions correctly with stereo audio, disable Mono Audio mode:

  1. Open Accessibility Settings:

    • Go to Settings > Accessibility (or search for “Accessibility” in the Windows search bar).

  2. Access Audio Settings:

    • Under Hearing, select Audio.

  3. Disable Mono Audio:

    • Locate the Mono audio toggle.

    • Set the toggle to Off.

  4. Restart Sessionwire:

    • Close and reopen Sessionwire to apply the change.

Disabling Mono Audio mode ensures Sessionwire can utilize full stereo sound, preserving the quality and accuracy of your collaborative audio sessions.

Configuring Audio Driver Levels for Sessionwire

What are Audio Driver Levels?

Audio driver levels in Windows control the input and output volume for specific audio devices, such as microphones (recording) and speakers (playback). These levels are set in the Sound Settings to adjust the signal strength for each device, ensuring proper audio balance and preventing issues like distortion or low volume.

Why Set Sessionwire Driver Levels to 63?

Sessionwire uses dedicated audio drivers (To SW, From SW, To SW Talkback, and From SW Talkback) for high-quality audio and talkback communication during remote collaboration. Setting the volume level to 63 for these drivers in both Playback and Recording ensures consistent audio gain, prevents clipping, and optimizes performance for Sessionwire’s real-time audio processing. Incorrect levels may cause uneven audio, feedback, or degraded session quality.

How to Set Audio Driver Levels in Windows


To ensure optimal performance, set the volume level to 63 for the To SW, From SW, To SW Talkback, and From SW Talkback drivers in both Playback and Recording settings:

  1. Open Sound Settings:

    • Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings, or go to Control Panel > Sound.

  2. Configure Playback Devices:

    • In Sound settings, scroll to Advanced sound options and click Manage sound devices, or in Control Panel, go to the Playback tab.

    • Locate and select each Sessionwire driver: To SW, From SW, To SW Talkback, and From SW Talkback.

    • For each driver:

      • Click Properties, then go to the Levels tab.

      • Adjust the volume slider to 63 (you may need to type the value if the slider doesn’t align exactly).

      • Click Apply and OK.

  3. Configure Recording Devices:

    • In the Sound window, switch to the Recording tab.

    • Locate and select each Sessionwire driver: To SW, From SW, To SW Talkback, and From SW Talkback.

    • For each driver:

      • Click Properties, then go to the Levels tab.

      • Adjust the volume slider to 63 (type the value if needed).

      • Click Apply and OK.

  4. Restart Sessionwire:

    • Close and reopen Sessionwire to ensure the changes take effect.

Setting the audio driver levels to 63 ensures balanced audio for Sessionwire’s collaboration features, providing clear communication and high-quality audio. 


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