OpenAL source limit exhaustion during dynamic 3D audio instantiation

OpenAL utilizes a source-and-buffer model where audio data is loaded into buffers and played via sources. In environments with high object density, the application must manage a finite number of available sources, as the maximum limit is typically hardware or implementation-dependent.

When requesting more sources than the device supports via alGenSources, the API may fail to allocate new handles, potentially leading to silent audio or application instability. There is uncertainty regarding the most efficient way to handle these limits without causing audible popping or abrupt sound termination when prioritizing active audio sources.

• What is the standard behavior for alGenSources when the hardware limit is reached?
• Is there a documented mechanism within the OpenAL specification to prioritize existing sources over new requests?