[LAU] ALSA output error (snd_pcm_open): Device or resource busy?

Hi list, wanting to output audio from two applications at the same time using ALSA and not ~/.asoundrc in place, I am getting the following error for the second application (mpv) wanting to access the soundcard: ALSA lib pcm_dmix.c:999:(snd_pcm_dmix_open) unable to open slave [ao/alsa] Playback open error: Device or resource busy [ao] Failed to initialize audio driver 'alsa' Could not open/initialize audio device -> no sound. Querying my system for devices using $ arecord -L I get (amongst other interfaces and cards): default hw:CARD=PCH,DEV=0 HDA Intel PCH, ALC269VC Analog Direct hardware device without any conversions plughw:CARD=PCH,DEV=0 HDA Intel PCH, ALC269VC Analog Hardware device with all software conversions I remember that the hw: devices may not allow simultaneous access, but the plughw: might. So will it help to declare the plughw:CARD=PCH,DEV=0 as the "default", and how would I go about to do so? https://www.alsa-project.org/wiki/Asoundrc indicates I should setup dmix but I somehow wonder if/why the above doesn't work out of the box without an .asoundrc? Thanks for all ideas! Peter