At least. Older versions supplied dmix but didn't automatically enable it. Newer versions are supposed to autoenable it on audio devices without hardware mixin

At least. Older versions supplied dmix but didn't automatically enable it. Newer versions are supposed to autoenable it on audio devices without hardware mixing. Frankly the only thing PA brought to the table was the ability to handle multiple audio devices while there is ongoing audio IO. Primarily in relation to usb headphones/headsets. But then that class of hardware is its own kind of abomination in the first place.