Mechanism for renderning multiple tracks

Hi all
I am trying to understand the mechanizm for rendering
multiple sound tracks. Suppose I have an audio file
having 5 tracks. Say take a wav file having 5 channels
and use XMMS to play the file, How does xmms separate
the channels and send them to the respective devices.

I know explaining this would take a lot of effort on
your part. But If you could guide me with urls etc I
would be highly obliged.

regards
Abhijeet D Mhatre

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