I'm looking to write some audio visualization software, based in either DirectSound or XAudio2.  The project requirements are it must be written in C#. 

I am curious if anyone can guide me as to the best approach to take on this project. I need to get to the underlying attributes of the WAV or prefferably MP3 to analyze the amplitude so I can create visual effects based on the sound.  At least, thats the approach I think I should take. 

It seems hard to find any source or samples out there that do anything similiar.  Experts, please guide me with some advice and suggestions.

Thanks!

A simple solution would be to use XAudio2’s volume meter xAPO to drive your visualizations.  See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb924663(VS.85).aspx for more information.  If you want access to the exact waveform, say for oscilloscope type effects, then you’ll need to write your own xAPO to capture the audio data and return it to your app.  Do you need access to the exact waveform, or will simple volume meter data work for you?