Sound output to multiple devices

[Martin S. Weber]

Is there an on-board freebsd way to play back sound to multiple devices at 
once (including controlling settings of the various outputs separately)? 
Switch sound outputs without a close/open (i.e., stop)? Group and ungroup
devices dynamically? Like, create a virtual sound card that one connects
the real cards to, or whatever..

Without resorting to pulseaudio?

In case it's not possible, what's your pulseaudio alternative to achieve
the above?

TIA,
-Martin