These are screen shots of a loop back test which shows overdubbed tracks re recorded back using an out to in loop back.
Only ASIO calculates the system latency correctly and reports this to Sonar so it can adjust recording input of new tracks to be placed in sync with pre recorded tracks.
As you can clearly see which modes will stay synced and which modes perform poorly. MME is the lowest quality of the 4 built in modes.
You won't have ASIO unless you purchase a proper Audio interface, If you plan on recording audio and overdubbing parts this is the only proper way to work without compromise.
If your just working with midi and dropping loops into projects then you can get by with an on board sound card.
WASAPI exclusive offers the best performance of the built in drivers. I use Asio4all on my laptop I use only for midi stuff. It is also a good driver for on board sound. Don't use it if you have a proper interface always use the latest ASIO driver when using an Audio interface, Not sure why Martin is switching modes for mixing that should not be necessary.
http://www.cactusmusic.ca...%20Loopback%20test.jpg