Vista onwards has a Audio Renderer called WASAPI Exclusive that bypasses all the mixers (keeps the resultion, bit depth, and channel configuration matched to the audio stream being played). DirectSound (the defualt) will remix everthing based on the setting you set in the Audio Control Panel.

HT:M80,VP150,QS8,EP500 Outside:4xM3 Office:AudioBytes, Rumpus: M60,VP150,M22 Portable:2 x Airs