diff --git a/examples/beep.rs b/examples/beep.rs
index d143fff..35718d2 100644
--- a/examples/beep.rs
+++ b/examples/beep.rs
@@ -19,27 +19,15 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
         (sample_clock * 440.0 * 2.0 * 3.141592 / sample_rate).sin()
     };
 
-    let err_fn = |err| {
-        eprintln!("an error occurred on stream: {}", err);
+    let err_fn = |err| eprintln!("an error occurred on stream: {}", err);
+
+    let data_fn = move |data: &mut cpal::Data| match data.sample_format() {
+        cpal::SampleFormat::F32 => write_data::<f32>(data, channels, &mut next_value),
+        cpal::SampleFormat::I16 => write_data::<i16>(data, channels, &mut next_value),
+        cpal::SampleFormat::U16 => write_data::<u16>(data, channels, &mut next_value),
     };
 
-    let stream = match format.data_type {
-        cpal::SampleFormat::F32 => device.build_output_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |mut data| write_data::<f32>(&mut *data, channels, &mut next_value),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-        cpal::SampleFormat::I16 => device.build_output_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |mut data| write_data::<i16>(&mut *data, channels, &mut next_value),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-        cpal::SampleFormat::U16 => device.build_output_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |mut data| write_data::<u16>(&mut *data, channels, &mut next_value),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-    }?;
+    let stream = device.build_output_stream(&format, data_fn, err_fn)?;
 
     stream.play()?;
 
@@ -48,10 +36,11 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
     Ok(())
 }
 
-fn write_data<T>(output: &mut [T], channels: usize, next_sample: &mut dyn FnMut() -> f32)
+fn write_data<T>(output: &mut cpal::Data, channels: usize, next_sample: &mut dyn FnMut() -> f32)
 where
     T: cpal::Sample,
 {
+    let output = output.as_slice_mut::<T>().expect("unexpected sample type");
     for frame in output.chunks_mut(channels) {
         let value: T = cpal::Sample::from::<f32>(&next_sample());
         for sample in frame.iter_mut() {
diff --git a/examples/feedback.rs b/examples/feedback.rs
index 6697718..6e8c48e 100644
--- a/examples/feedback.rs
+++ b/examples/feedback.rs
@@ -47,46 +47,40 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
         producer.push(0.0).unwrap();
     }
 
+    let input_data_fn = move |data: &cpal::Data| {
+        let mut output_fell_behind = false;
+        let data = data.as_slice::<f32>().expect("unexpected sample type");
+        for &sample in data {
+            if producer.push(sample).is_err() {
+                output_fell_behind = true;
+            }
+        }
+        if output_fell_behind {
+            eprintln!("output stream fell behind: try increasing latency");
+        }
+    };
+
+    let output_data_fn = move |data: &mut cpal::Data| {
+        let mut input_fell_behind = None;
+        let data = data.as_slice_mut::<f32>().expect("unexpected sample type");
+        for sample in data {
+            *sample = match consumer.pop() {
+                Ok(s) => s,
+                Err(err) => {
+                    input_fell_behind = Some(err);
+                    0.0
+                },
+            };
+        }
+        if let Some(err) = input_fell_behind {
+            eprintln!("input stream fell behind: {:?}: try increasing latency", err);
+        }
+    };
+
     // Build streams.
     println!("Attempting to build both streams with `{:?}`.", format);
-    let input_stream = input_device.build_input_stream(
-        &format,
-        move |data| {
-            let mut output_fell_behind = false;
-            for &sample in data.iter() {
-                if producer.push(sample).is_err() {
-                    output_fell_behind = true;
-                }
-            }
-            if output_fell_behind {
-                eprintln!("output stream fell behind: try increasing latency");
-            }
-        },
-        |err| {
-            eprintln!("an error occurred on stream: {}", err);
-        },
-    )?;
-    let output_stream = output_device.build_output_stream(
-        &format,
-        move |mut data| {
-            let mut input_fell_behind = None;
-            for sample in data.iter_mut() {
-                *sample = match consumer.pop() {
-                    Ok(s) => s,
-                    Err(err) => {
-                        input_fell_behind = Some(err);
-                        0.0
-                    },
-                };
-            }
-            if let Some(err) = input_fell_behind {
-                eprintln!("input stream fell behind: {:?}: try increasing latency", err);
-            }
-        },
-        move |err| {
-            eprintln!("an error occurred on output stream: {}", err);
-        },
-    )?;
+    let input_stream = input_device.build_input_stream(&format, input_data_fn, err_fn)?;
+    let output_stream = output_device.build_output_stream(&format, output_data_fn, err_fn)?;
     println!("Successfully built streams.");
 
     // Play the streams.
@@ -105,3 +99,7 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
     println!("Done!");
     Ok(())
 }
+
+fn err_fn(err: cpal::StreamError) {
+    eprintln!("an error occurred on stream: {}", err);
+}
diff --git a/examples/record_wav.rs b/examples/record_wav.rs
index fb48286..5d00b8e 100644
--- a/examples/record_wav.rs
+++ b/examples/record_wav.rs
@@ -40,23 +40,15 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
         eprintln!("an error occurred on stream: {}", err);
     };
 
-    let stream = match format.data_type {
-        cpal::SampleFormat::F32 => device.build_input_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |data| write_input_data::<f32, f32>(&*data, &writer_2),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-        cpal::SampleFormat::I16 => device.build_input_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |data| write_input_data::<i16, i16>(&*data, &writer_2),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-        cpal::SampleFormat::U16 => device.build_input_stream(
-            &format,
-            move |data| write_input_data::<u16, i16>(&*data, &writer_2),
-            err_fn,
-        ),
-    }?;
+    let data_fn = move |data: &cpal::Data| {
+        match data.sample_format() {
+            cpal::SampleFormat::F32 => write_input_data::<f32, f32>(data, &writer_2),
+            cpal::SampleFormat::I16 => write_input_data::<i16, i16>(data, &writer_2),
+            cpal::SampleFormat::U16 => write_input_data::<u16, i16>(data, &writer_2),
+        }
+    };
+
+    let stream = device.build_input_stream(&format, data_fn, err_fn)?;
 
     stream.play()?;
 
@@ -87,11 +79,12 @@ fn wav_spec_from_format(format: &cpal::Format) -> hound::WavSpec {
 
 type WavWriterHandle = Arc<Mutex<Option<hound::WavWriter<BufWriter<File>>>>>;
 
-fn write_input_data<T, U>(input: &[T], writer: &WavWriterHandle)
+fn write_input_data<T, U>(input: &cpal::Data, writer: &WavWriterHandle)
 where
     T: cpal::Sample,
     U: cpal::Sample + hound::Sample,
 {
+    let input = input.as_slice::<T>().expect("unexpected sample format");
     if let Ok(mut guard) = writer.try_lock() {
         if let Some(writer) = guard.as_mut() {
             for &sample in input.iter() {
diff --git a/src/host/alsa/mod.rs b/src/host/alsa/mod.rs
index f1724aa..512ed0c 100644
--- a/src/host/alsa/mod.rs
+++ b/src/host/alsa/mod.rs
@@ -5,15 +5,13 @@ use crate::{
     BackendSpecificError,
     BuildStreamError,
     ChannelCount,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     SampleFormat,
     SampleRate,
     StreamError,
@@ -90,37 +88,31 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         Device::default_output_format(self)
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        // TODO: Consider removing `data_type` field from `Format` and removing this.
-        assert_eq!(format.data_type, T::FORMAT, "sample format mismatch");
         let stream_inner = self.build_stream_inner(format, alsa::SND_PCM_STREAM_CAPTURE)?;
         let stream = Stream::new_input(Arc::new(stream_inner), data_callback, error_callback);
         Ok(stream)
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        // TODO: Consider removing `data_type` field from `Format` and removing this.
-        assert_eq!(format.data_type, T::FORMAT, "sample format mismatch");
         let stream_inner = self.build_stream_inner(format, alsa::SND_PCM_STREAM_PLAYBACK)?;
         let stream = Stream::new_output(Arc::new(stream_inner), data_callback, error_callback);
         Ok(stream)
@@ -564,14 +556,12 @@ struct StreamWorkerContext {
     buffer: Vec<u8>,
 }
 
-fn input_stream_worker<T>(
+fn input_stream_worker(
     rx: TriggerReceiver,
     stream: &StreamInner,
-    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static),
+    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static),
     error_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     let mut ctxt = StreamWorkerContext::default();
     loop {
         match poll_descriptors_and_prepare_buffer(&rx, stream, &mut ctxt, error_callback) {
@@ -583,7 +573,7 @@ fn input_stream_worker<T>(
                     StreamType::Input,
                     "expected input stream, but polling descriptors indicated output",
                 );
-                process_input::<T>(
+                process_input(
                     stream,
                     &mut ctxt.buffer,
                     available_frames,
@@ -595,14 +585,12 @@ fn input_stream_worker<T>(
     }
 }
 
-fn output_stream_worker<T>(
+fn output_stream_worker(
     rx: TriggerReceiver,
     stream: &StreamInner,
-    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static),
+    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static),
     error_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     let mut ctxt = StreamWorkerContext::default();
     loop {
         match poll_descriptors_and_prepare_buffer(&rx, stream, &mut ctxt, error_callback) {
@@ -614,7 +602,7 @@ fn output_stream_worker<T>(
                     StreamType::Output,
                     "expected output stream, but polling descriptors indicated input",
                 );
-                process_output::<T>(
+                process_output(
                     stream,
                     &mut ctxt.buffer,
                     available_frames,
@@ -729,15 +717,13 @@ fn poll_descriptors_and_prepare_buffer(
 }
 
 // Read input data from ALSA and deliver it to the user.
-fn process_input<T>(
+fn process_input(
     stream: &StreamInner,
     buffer: &mut [u8],
     available_frames: usize,
-    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static),
+    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     let result = unsafe {
         alsa::snd_pcm_readi(
             stream.channel,
@@ -750,28 +736,34 @@ fn process_input<T>(
         error_callback(BackendSpecificError { description }.into());
         return;
     }
-    let buffer = unsafe { cast_input_buffer::<T>(buffer) };
-    let input_data = InputData { buffer };
-    data_callback(input_data);
+    let sample_format = stream.sample_format;
+    let data = buffer.as_mut_ptr() as *mut ();
+    let len = buffer.len() / sample_format.sample_size();
+    let data = unsafe {
+        Data::from_parts(data, len, sample_format)
+    };
+    data_callback(&data);
 }
 
 // Request data from the user's function and write it via ALSA.
 //
 // Returns `true`
-fn process_output<T>(
+fn process_output(
     stream: &StreamInner,
     buffer: &mut [u8],
     available_frames: usize,
-    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static),
+    data_callback: &mut (dyn FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     {
         // We're now sure that we're ready to write data.
-        let buffer = unsafe { cast_output_buffer::<T>(buffer) };
-        let output_data = OutputData { buffer };
-        data_callback(output_data);
+        let sample_format = stream.sample_format;
+        let data = buffer.as_mut_ptr() as *mut ();
+        let len = buffer.len() / sample_format.sample_size();
+        let mut data = unsafe {
+            Data::from_parts(data, len, sample_format)
+        };
+        data_callback(&mut data);
     }
     loop {
         let result = unsafe {
@@ -805,21 +797,20 @@ fn process_output<T>(
 }
 
 impl Stream {
-    fn new_input<T, D, E>(
+    fn new_input<D, E>(
         inner: Arc<StreamInner>,
         mut data_callback: D,
         mut error_callback: E,
     ) -> Stream
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let (tx, rx) = trigger();
         // Clone the handle for passing into worker thread.
         let stream = inner.clone();
         let thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-            input_stream_worker::<T>(rx, &*stream, &mut data_callback, &mut error_callback);
+            input_stream_worker(rx, &*stream, &mut data_callback, &mut error_callback);
         });
         Stream {
             thread: Some(thread),
@@ -828,21 +819,20 @@ impl Stream {
         }
     }
 
-    fn new_output<T, D, E>(
+    fn new_output<D, E>(
         inner: Arc<StreamInner>,
         mut data_callback: D,
         mut error_callback: E,
     ) -> Stream
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let (tx, rx) = trigger();
         // Clone the handle for passing into worker thread.
         let stream = inner.clone();
         let thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-            output_stream_worker::<T>(rx, &*stream, &mut data_callback, &mut error_callback);
+            output_stream_worker(rx, &*stream, &mut data_callback, &mut error_callback);
         });
         Stream {
             thread: Some(thread),
@@ -1080,17 +1070,3 @@ fn check_errors(err: libc::c_int) -> Result<(), String> {
 
     Ok(())
 }
-
-/// Cast a byte slice into a (immutable) slice of desired type.
-/// Safety: it's up to the caller to ensure that the input slice has valid bit representations.
-unsafe fn cast_input_buffer<T>(v: &[u8]) -> &[T] {
-    debug_assert!(v.len() % std::mem::size_of::<T>() == 0);
-    std::slice::from_raw_parts(v.as_ptr() as *const T, v.len() / std::mem::size_of::<T>())
-}
-
-/// Cast a byte slice into a mutable slice of desired type.
-/// Safety: it's up to the caller to ensure that the input slice has valid bit representations.
-unsafe fn cast_output_buffer<T>(v: &mut [u8]) -> &mut [T] {
-    debug_assert!(v.len() % std::mem::size_of::<T>() == 0);
-    std::slice::from_raw_parts_mut(v.as_mut_ptr() as *mut T, v.len() / std::mem::size_of::<T>())
-}
diff --git a/src/host/asio/mod.rs b/src/host/asio/mod.rs
index b667b6d..3295470 100644
--- a/src/host/asio/mod.rs
+++ b/src/host/asio/mod.rs
@@ -3,15 +3,13 @@ extern crate parking_lot;
 
 use crate::{
     BuildStreamError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     StreamError,
     SupportedFormatsError,
 };
@@ -91,29 +89,27 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         Device::default_output_format(self)
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static
     {
         Device::build_input_stream(self, format, data_callback, error_callback)
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static
     {
         Device::build_output_stream(self, format, data_callback, error_callback)
diff --git a/src/host/asio/stream.rs b/src/host/asio/stream.rs
index 0ad3710..696491c 100644
--- a/src/host/asio/stream.rs
+++ b/src/host/asio/stream.rs
@@ -9,9 +9,8 @@ use std::sync::Arc;
 use super::parking_lot::Mutex;
 use BackendSpecificError;
 use BuildStreamError;
+use Data;
 use Format;
-use InputData;
-use OutputData;
 use PauseStreamError;
 use PlayStreamError;
 use Sample;
@@ -58,18 +57,16 @@ impl Stream {
 }
 
 impl Device {
-    pub fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    pub fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         mut data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        assert_eq!(format.data_type, T::FORMAT, "sample type does not match `format.data_type`");
         let stream_type = self.driver.input_data_type().map_err(build_stream_err)?;
 
         // Ensure that the desired sample type is supported.
@@ -118,7 +115,7 @@ impl Device {
             where
                 A: AsioSample,
                 B: Sample,
-                D: FnMut(InputData<B>) + Send + 'static,
+                D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
                 F: Fn(A) -> A,
             {
                 // 1. Write the ASIO channels to the CPAL buffer.
@@ -132,13 +129,15 @@ impl Device {
                 }
 
                 // 2. Deliver the interleaved buffer to the callback.
-                let data = InputData { buffer: interleaved };
-                callback(data);
+                let data = interleaved.as_mut_ptr() as *mut ();
+                let len = interleaved.len();
+                let data = Data::from_parts(data, len, B::FORMAT);
+                callback(&data);
             }
 
             match (&stream_type, data_type) {
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt16LSB, SampleFormat::I16) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<i16, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<i16, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -147,7 +146,7 @@ impl Device {
                     );
                 }
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt16MSB, SampleFormat::I16) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<i16, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<i16, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -160,7 +159,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // trait for the `to_le` and `to_be` methods, but this does not support floats.
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat32LSB, SampleFormat::F32) |
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat32MSB, SampleFormat::F32) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<f32, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<f32, f32, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -173,7 +172,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // `process_output_callback` function above by removing the unnecessary sample
                 // conversion function.
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt32LSB, SampleFormat::I16) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<i32, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<i32, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -182,7 +181,7 @@ impl Device {
                     );
                 }
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt32MSB, SampleFormat::I16) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<i32, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<i32, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -194,7 +193,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // trait for the `to_le` and `to_be` methods, but this does not support floats.
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat64LSB, SampleFormat::F32) |
                 (&sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat64MSB, SampleFormat::F32) => {
-                    process_input_callback::<f64, T, _, _>(
+                    process_input_callback::<f64, f32, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         asio_stream,
@@ -224,18 +223,16 @@ impl Device {
         })
     }
 
-    pub fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    pub fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         mut data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        assert_eq!(format.data_type, T::FORMAT, "sample type does not match `format.data_type`");
         let stream_type = self.driver.output_data_type().map_err(build_stream_err)?;
 
         // Ensure that the desired sample type is supported.
@@ -308,12 +305,15 @@ impl Device {
             where
                 A: Sample,
                 B: AsioSample,
-                D: FnMut(OutputData<A>) + Send + 'static,
+                D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
                 F: Fn(B) -> B,
             {
                 // 1. Render interleaved buffer from callback.
                 let interleaved: &mut [A] = cast_slice_mut(interleaved);
-                callback(OutputData { buffer: interleaved });
+                let data = interleaved.as_mut_ptr() as *mut ();
+                let len = interleaved.len();
+                let mut data = Data::from_parts(data, len, A::FORMAT);
+                callback(&mut data);
 
                 // 2. Silence ASIO channels if necessary.
                 let n_channels = interleaved.len() / asio_stream.buffer_size as usize;
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ impl Device {
 
             match (data_type, &stream_type) {
                 (SampleFormat::I16, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt16LSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, i16, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<i16, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ impl Device {
                     );
                 }
                 (SampleFormat::I16, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt16MSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, i16, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<i16, i16, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // trait for the `to_le` and `to_be` methods, but this does not support floats.
                 (SampleFormat::F32, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat32LSB) |
                 (SampleFormat::F32, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat32MSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, f32, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<f32, f32, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // `process_output_callback` function above by removing the unnecessary sample
                 // conversion function.
                 (SampleFormat::I16, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt32LSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, i32, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<i16, i32, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
@@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ impl Device {
                     );
                 }
                 (SampleFormat::I16, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTInt32MSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, i32, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<i16, i32, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ impl Device {
                 // trait for the `to_le` and `to_be` methods, but this does not support floats.
                 (SampleFormat::F32, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat64LSB) |
                 (SampleFormat::F32, &sys::AsioSampleType::ASIOSTFloat64MSB) => {
-                    process_output_callback::<T, f64, _, _>(
+                    process_output_callback::<f32, f64, _, _>(
                         &mut data_callback,
                         &mut interleaved,
                         silence,
diff --git a/src/host/coreaudio/mod.rs b/src/host/coreaudio/mod.rs
index aeef5af..e56ab61 100644
--- a/src/host/coreaudio/mod.rs
+++ b/src/host/coreaudio/mod.rs
@@ -5,15 +5,13 @@ use crate::{
     ChannelCount,
     BackendSpecificError,
     BuildStreamError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     SampleFormat,
     SampleRate,
     StreamError,
@@ -131,33 +129,29 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         Device::default_output_format(self)
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        assert_eq!(T::FORMAT, format.data_type);
         Device::build_input_stream(self, format, data_callback, error_callback)
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        assert_eq!(T::FORMAT, format.data_type);
         Device::build_output_stream(self, format, data_callback, error_callback)
     }
 }
@@ -500,15 +494,14 @@ fn audio_unit_from_device(device: &Device, input: bool) -> Result<AudioUnit, cor
 }
 
 impl Device {
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         mut data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         // The scope and element for working with a device's input stream.
@@ -657,7 +650,8 @@ impl Device {
 
         // Register the callback that is being called by coreaudio whenever it needs data to be
         // fed to the audio buffer.
-        let bytes_per_channel = std::mem::size_of::<T>();
+        let sample_format = format.data_type;
+        let bytes_per_channel = sample_format.sample_size();
         type Args = render_callback::Args<data::Raw>;
         audio_unit.set_input_callback(move |args: Args| unsafe {
             let ptr = (*args.data.data).mBuffers.as_ptr() as *const AudioBuffer;
@@ -671,10 +665,10 @@ impl Device {
                 mData: data
             } = buffers[0];
 
-            let data_len = (data_byte_size as usize / bytes_per_channel) as usize;
-            let data_slice = slice::from_raw_parts(data as *const T, data_len);
-            let input_data = InputData { buffer: data_slice };
-            data_callback(input_data);
+            let data = data as *mut ();
+            let len = (data_byte_size as usize / bytes_per_channel) as usize;
+            let data = Data::from_parts(data, len, sample_format);
+            data_callback(&data);
             Ok(())
         })?;
 
@@ -687,15 +681,14 @@ impl Device {
         }))
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         mut data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let mut audio_unit = audio_unit_from_device(self, false)?;
@@ -710,7 +703,8 @@ impl Device {
 
         // Register the callback that is being called by coreaudio whenever it needs data to be
         // fed to the audio buffer.
-        let bytes_per_channel = std::mem::size_of::<T>();
+        let sample_format = format.data_type;
+        let bytes_per_channel = sample_format.sample_size();
         type Args = render_callback::Args<data::Raw>;
         audio_unit.set_render_callback(move |args: Args| unsafe {
             // If `run()` is currently running, then a callback will be available from this list.
@@ -722,10 +716,10 @@ impl Device {
                 mData: data
             } = (*args.data.data).mBuffers[0];
 
-            let data_len = (data_byte_size as usize / bytes_per_channel) as usize;
-            let data_slice = slice::from_raw_parts_mut(data as *mut T, data_len);
-            let output_data = OutputData { buffer: data_slice };
-            data_callback(output_data);
+            let data = data as *mut ();
+            let len = (data_byte_size as usize / bytes_per_channel) as usize;
+            let mut data = Data::from_parts(data, len, sample_format);
+            data_callback(&mut data);
             Ok(())
         })?;
 
diff --git a/src/host/emscripten/mod.rs b/src/host/emscripten/mod.rs
index 176671a..0eb951f 100644
--- a/src/host/emscripten/mod.rs
+++ b/src/host/emscripten/mod.rs
@@ -9,15 +9,13 @@ use stdweb::web::set_timeout;
 
 use crate::{
     BuildStreamError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     SampleFormat,
     StreamError,
     SupportedFormat,
@@ -160,32 +158,34 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         Device::default_output_format(self)
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         _format: &Format,
         _data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         unimplemented!()
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
-        _format: &Format,
+        format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
-        assert_eq!(T::FORMAT, SampleFormat::F32, "emscripten backend only supports `f32` data");
+        assert_eq!(
+            format.data_type,
+            SampleFormat::F32,
+            "emscripten backend currently only supports `f32` data",
+        );
 
         // Create the stream.
         let audio_ctxt_ref = js!(return new AudioContext()).into_reference().unwrap();
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         //
         // See also: The call to `set_timeout` at the end of the `audio_callback_fn` which creates
         // the loop.
-        set_timeout(|| audio_callback_fn::<T, D, E>(user_data_ptr as *mut c_void), 10);
+        set_timeout(|| audio_callback_fn::<D, E>(user_data_ptr as *mut c_void), 10);
 
         Ok(stream)
     }
@@ -223,10 +223,9 @@ impl StreamTrait for Stream {
 
 // The first argument of the callback function (a `void*`) is a casted pointer to `self`
 // and to the `callback` parameter that was passed to `run`.
-fn audio_callback_fn<T, D, E>(user_data_ptr: *mut c_void)
+fn audio_callback_fn<D, E>(user_data_ptr: *mut c_void)
 where
-    T: Sample,
-    D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+    D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
     E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
 {
     unsafe {
@@ -236,12 +235,14 @@ where
         let audio_ctxt = &stream.audio_ctxt_ref;
 
         // TODO: We should be re-using a buffer.
-        let mut temporary_buffer: Vec<_> = (0..44100 * 2 / 3).map(|_| T::from(&0.0)).collect();
+        let mut temporary_buffer = vec![0.0; 44100 * 2 / 3];
 
         {
-            let buffer = &mut temporary_buffer;
-            let data = OutputData { buffer };
-            data_cb(data);
+            let len = temporary_buffer.len();
+            let data = temporary_buffer.as_mut_ptr() as *mut ();
+            let sample_format = SampleFormat::F32;
+            let mut data = Data::from_parts(data, len, sample_format);
+            data_cb(&mut data);
         }
 
         // TODO: directly use a TypedArray<f32> once this is supported by stdweb
@@ -281,7 +282,7 @@ where
         // TODO: handle latency better ; right now we just use setInterval with the amount of sound
         // data that is in each buffer ; this is obviously bad, and also the schedule is too tight
         // and there may be underflows
-        set_timeout(|| audio_callback_fn::<T, D, E>(user_data_ptr), 330);
+        set_timeout(|| audio_callback_fn::<D, E>(user_data_ptr), 330);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/host/null/mod.rs b/src/host/null/mod.rs
index 09a19c8..def00c9 100644
--- a/src/host/null/mod.rs
+++ b/src/host/null/mod.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 use crate::{
     BuildStreamError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DevicesError,
     DeviceNameError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
     StreamError,
@@ -71,28 +70,28 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         unimplemented!()
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         _format: &Format,
         _data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         unimplemented!()
     }
 
     /// Create an output stream.
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         _format: &Format,
         _data_callback: D,
         _error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         unimplemented!()
diff --git a/src/host/wasapi/device.rs b/src/host/wasapi/device.rs
index db5c154..de8aa3e 100644
--- a/src/host/wasapi/device.rs
+++ b/src/host/wasapi/device.rs
@@ -1,12 +1,10 @@
 use crate::{
     BackendSpecificError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
-    Sample,
     SampleFormat,
     SampleRate,
     SupportedFormat,
@@ -106,30 +104,28 @@ impl DeviceTrait for Device {
         Device::default_output_format(self)
     }
 
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let stream_inner = self.build_input_stream_inner(format)?;
         Ok(Stream::new_input(stream_inner, data_callback, error_callback))
     }
 
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let stream_inner = self.build_output_stream_inner(format)?;
diff --git a/src/host/wasapi/stream.rs b/src/host/wasapi/stream.rs
index 1c49a13..cfeb71f 100644
--- a/src/host/wasapi/stream.rs
+++ b/src/host/wasapi/stream.rs
@@ -1,17 +1,14 @@
 use crate::{
     BackendSpecificError,
-    InputData,
-    OutputData,
+    Data,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     SampleFormat,
     StreamError,
 };
 use crate::traits::StreamTrait;
 use std::mem;
 use std::ptr;
-use std::slice;
 use std::sync::mpsc::{channel, Receiver, Sender};
 use std::thread::{self, JoinHandle};
 use super::check_result;
@@ -85,14 +82,13 @@ pub struct StreamInner {
 }
 
 impl Stream {
-    pub(crate) fn new_input<T, D, E>(
+    pub(crate) fn new_input<D, E>(
         stream_inner: StreamInner,
         mut data_callback: D,
         mut error_callback: E,
     ) -> Stream
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let pending_scheduled_event =
@@ -115,14 +111,13 @@ impl Stream {
         }
     }
 
-    pub(crate) fn new_output<T, D, E>(
+    pub(crate) fn new_output<D, E>(
         stream_inner: StreamInner,
         mut data_callback: D,
         mut error_callback: E,
     ) -> Stream
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static,
     {
         let pending_scheduled_event =
@@ -285,13 +280,11 @@ fn stream_error_from_hresult(hresult: winnt::HRESULT) -> Result<(), StreamError>
     Ok(())
 }
 
-fn run_input<T>(
+fn run_input(
     mut run_ctxt: RunContext,
-    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(InputData<T>),
+    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(&Data),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     loop {
         match process_commands_and_await_signal(&mut run_ctxt, error_callback) {
             Some(ControlFlow::Break) => break,
@@ -309,13 +302,11 @@ fn run_input<T>(
     }
 }
 
-fn run_output<T>(
+fn run_output(
     mut run_ctxt: RunContext,
-    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(OutputData<T>),
+    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut Data),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) {
     loop {
         match process_commands_and_await_signal(&mut run_ctxt, error_callback) {
             Some(ControlFlow::Break) => break,
@@ -371,15 +362,12 @@ fn process_commands_and_await_signal(
 }
 
 // The loop for processing pending input data.
-fn process_input<T>(
+fn process_input(
     stream: &StreamInner,
     capture_client: *mut audioclient::IAudioCaptureClient,
-    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(InputData<T>),
+    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(&Data),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) -> ControlFlow
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) -> ControlFlow {
     let mut frames_available = 0;
     unsafe {
         // Get the available data in the shared buffer.
@@ -412,15 +400,13 @@ where
 
             debug_assert!(!buffer.is_null());
 
-            let buffer_len = frames_available as usize
+            let data = buffer as *mut ();
+            let len = frames_available as usize
                 * stream.bytes_per_frame as usize
-                / mem::size_of::<T>();
+                / stream.sample_format.sample_size();
+            let data = Data::from_parts(data, len, stream.sample_format);
+            data_callback(&data);
 
-            // Simplify the capture callback sample format branches.
-            let buffer_data = buffer as *mut _ as *const T;
-            let slice = slice::from_raw_parts(buffer_data, buffer_len);
-            let input_data = InputData { buffer: slice };
-            data_callback(input_data);
             // Release the buffer.
             let hresult = (*capture_client).ReleaseBuffer(frames_available);
             if let Err(err) = stream_error_from_hresult(hresult) {
@@ -432,15 +418,12 @@ where
 }
 
 // The loop for writing output data.
-fn process_output<T>(
+fn process_output(
     stream: &StreamInner,
     render_client: *mut audioclient::IAudioRenderClient,
-    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(OutputData<T>),
+    data_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut Data),
     error_callback: &mut dyn FnMut(StreamError),
-) -> ControlFlow
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
+) -> ControlFlow {
     // The number of frames available for writing.
     let frames_available = match get_available_frames(&stream) {
         Ok(0) => return ControlFlow::Continue, // TODO: Can this happen?
@@ -462,13 +445,14 @@ where
         }
 
         debug_assert!(!buffer.is_null());
-        let buffer_len =
-            frames_available as usize * stream.bytes_per_frame as usize / mem::size_of::<T>();
 
-        let buffer_data = buffer as *mut T;
-        let slice = slice::from_raw_parts_mut(buffer_data, buffer_len);
-        let output_data = OutputData { buffer: slice };
-        data_callback(output_data);
+        let data = buffer as *mut ();
+        let len = frames_available as usize
+            * stream.bytes_per_frame as usize
+            / stream.sample_format.sample_size();
+        let mut data = Data::from_parts(data, len, stream.sample_format);
+        data_callback(&mut data);
+
         let hresult = (*render_client).ReleaseBuffer(frames_available as u32, 0);
         if let Err(err) = stream_error_from_hresult(hresult) {
             error_callback(err);
diff --git a/src/lib.rs b/src/lib.rs
index a80f3a7..b77d454 100644
--- a/src/lib.rs
+++ b/src/lib.rs
@@ -55,14 +55,14 @@
 //! Now that we have everything for the stream, we are ready to create it from our selected device:
 //!
 //! ```no_run
-//! use cpal::OutputData;
+//! use cpal::Data;
 //! use cpal::traits::{DeviceTrait, HostTrait, StreamTrait};
 //! # let host = cpal::default_host();
 //! # let device = host.default_output_device().unwrap();
 //! # let format = device.default_output_format().unwrap();
 //! let stream = device.build_output_stream(
 //!     &format,
-//!     move |data: OutputData<f32>| {
+//!     move |data: &mut Data| {
 //!         // react to stream events and read or write stream data here.
 //!     },
 //!     move |err| {
@@ -72,9 +72,8 @@
 //! ```
 //!
 //! While the stream is running, the selected audio device will periodically call the data callback
-//! that was passed to the function. The callback is passed an instance of either `InputData<T>` or
-//! `OutputData<T>` depending on whether the stream is an input stream or output stream
-//! respectively. Type `T` represents the desired sample format type. Supported format types
+//! that was passed to the function. The callback is passed an instance of either `&Data` or
+//! `&mut Data` depending on whether the stream is an input stream or output stream respectively.
 //!
 //! > **Note**: Creating and running a stream will *not* block the thread. On modern platforms, the
 //! > given callback is called by a dedicated, high-priority thread responsible for delivering
@@ -85,22 +84,24 @@
 //! > please share your issue and use-case with the CPAL team on the github issue tracker for
 //! > consideration.*
 //!
-//! In this example, we simply fill the given output buffer with zeroes.
+//! In this example, we simply fill the given output buffer with silence.
 //!
 //! ```no_run
-//! use cpal::{OutputData, Sample, SampleFormat};
+//! use cpal::{Data, Sample, SampleFormat};
 //! use cpal::traits::{DeviceTrait, HostTrait, StreamTrait};
 //! # let host = cpal::default_host();
 //! # let device = host.default_output_device().unwrap();
 //! # let format = device.default_output_format().unwrap();
-//! let err_fn = move |err| eprintln!("an error occurred on the output audio stream: {}", err);
-//! let stream = match format.data_type {
-//!     SampleFormat::F32 => device.build_output_stream(&format, write_silence::<f32>, err_fn),
-//!     SampleFormat::I16 => device.build_output_stream(&format, write_silence::<i16>, err_fn),
-//!     SampleFormat::U16 => device.build_output_stream(&format, write_silence::<u16>, err_fn),
+//! let err_fn = |err| eprintln!("an error occurred on the output audio stream: {}", err);
+//! let data_fn = move |data: &mut Data| match data.sample_format() {
+//!     SampleFormat::F32 => write_silence::<f32>(data),
+//!     SampleFormat::I16 => write_silence::<i16>(data),
+//!     SampleFormat::U16 => write_silence::<u16>(data),
 //! };
+//! let stream = device.build_output_stream(&format, data_fn, err_fn).unwrap();
 //!
-//! fn write_silence<T: Sample>(mut data: OutputData<T>) {
+//! fn write_silence<T: Sample>(data: &mut Data) {
+//!     let data = data.as_slice_mut::<T>().unwrap();
 //!     for sample in data.iter_mut() {
 //!         *sample = Sample::from(&0.0);
 //!     }
@@ -115,7 +116,7 @@
 //! # let host = cpal::default_host();
 //! # let device = host.default_output_device().unwrap();
 //! # let format = device.default_output_format().unwrap();
-//! # let data_fn = move |_data: cpal::OutputData<f32>| {};
+//! # let data_fn = move |_data: &mut cpal::Data| {};
 //! # let err_fn = move |_err| {};
 //! # let stream = device.build_output_stream(&format, data_fn, err_fn).unwrap();
 //! stream.play().unwrap();
@@ -129,7 +130,7 @@
 //! # let host = cpal::default_host();
 //! # let device = host.default_output_device().unwrap();
 //! # let format = device.default_output_format().unwrap();
-//! # let data_fn = move |_data: cpal::OutputData<f32>| {};
+//! # let data_fn = move |_data: &mut cpal::Data| {};
 //! # let err_fn = move |_err| {};
 //! # let stream = device.build_output_stream(&format, data_fn, err_fn).unwrap();
 //! stream.pause().unwrap();
@@ -152,7 +153,6 @@ pub use platform::{
     HostId, Stream, SupportedInputFormats, SupportedOutputFormats,
 };
 pub use samples_formats::{Sample, SampleFormat};
-use std::ops::{Deref, DerefMut};
 
 mod error;
 mod host;
@@ -193,34 +193,106 @@ pub struct SupportedFormat {
     pub data_type: SampleFormat,
 }
 
-/// Represents a buffer containing audio data that may be read.
+/// Represents a buffer of audio data, delivered via a user's stream data callback function.
 ///
-/// This struct implements the `Deref` trait targeting `[T]`. Therefore this buffer can be read the
-/// same way as reading from a `Vec` or any other kind of Rust array.
-// TODO: explain audio stuff in general
-// TODO: Consider making this an `enum` with `Interleaved` and `NonInterleaved` variants.
+/// Input stream callbacks receive `&Data`, while output stream callbacks expect `&mut Data`.
 #[derive(Debug)]
-pub struct InputData<'a, T: 'a>
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
-    buffer: &'a [T],
+pub struct Data {
+    data: *mut (),
+    len: usize,
+    sample_format: SampleFormat,
 }
 
-/// Represents a buffer that must be filled with audio data. The buffer in unfilled state may
-/// contain garbage values.
-///
-/// This struct implements the `Deref` and `DerefMut` traits to `[T]`. Therefore writing to this
-/// buffer is done in the same way as writing to a `Vec` or any other kind of Rust array.
-// TODO: explain audio stuff in general
-// TODO: Consider making this an `enum` with `Interleaved` and `NonInterleaved` variants.
-#[must_use]
-#[derive(Debug)]
-pub struct OutputData<'a, T: 'a>
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
-    buffer: &'a mut [T],
+impl Data {
+    // Internal constructor for host implementations to use.
+    //
+    // The following requirements must be met in order for the safety of `Data`'s public API.
+    //
+    // - The `data` pointer must point to the first sample in the slice containing all samples.
+    // - The `len` must describe the length of the buffer as a number of samples in the expected
+    //   format specified via the `sample_format` argument.
+    // - The `sample_format` must correctly represent the underlying sample data delivered/expected
+    //   by the stream.
+    pub(crate) unsafe fn from_parts(
+        data: *mut (),
+        len: usize,
+        sample_format: SampleFormat,
+    ) -> Self {
+        Data { data, len, sample_format }
+    }
+
+    /// The sample format of the internal audio data.
+    pub fn sample_format(&self) -> SampleFormat {
+        self.sample_format
+    }
+
+    /// The full length of the buffer in samples.
+    ///
+    /// The returned length is the same length as the slice of type `T` that would be returned via
+    /// `as_slice` given a sample type that matches the inner sample format.
+    pub fn len(&self) -> usize {
+        self.len
+    }
+
+    /// The raw slice of memory representing the underlying audio data as a slice of bytes.
+    ///
+    /// It is up to the user to interpret the slice of memory based on `Data::sample_format`.
+    pub fn bytes(&self) -> &[u8] {
+        let len = self.len * self.sample_format.sample_size();
+        // The safety of this block relies on correct construction of the `Data` instance. See
+        // the unsafe `from_parts` constructor for these requirements.
+        unsafe {
+            std::slice::from_raw_parts(self.data as *const u8, len)
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// The raw slice of memory representing the underlying audio data as a slice of bytes.
+    ///
+    /// It is up to the user to interpret the slice of memory based on `Data::sample_format`.
+    pub fn bytes_mut(&mut self) -> &mut [u8] {
+        let len = self.len * self.sample_format.sample_size();
+        // The safety of this block relies on correct construction of the `Data` instance. See
+        // the unsafe `from_parts` constructor for these requirements.
+        unsafe {
+            std::slice::from_raw_parts_mut(self.data as *mut u8, len)
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Access the data as a slice of sample type `T`.
+    ///
+    /// Returns `None` if the sample type does not match the expected sample format.
+    pub fn as_slice<T>(&self) -> Option<&[T]>
+    where
+        T: Sample,
+    {
+        if T::FORMAT == self.sample_format {
+            // The safety of this block relies on correct construction of the `Data` instance. See
+            // the unsafe `from_parts` constructor for these requirements.
+            unsafe {
+                Some(std::slice::from_raw_parts(self.data as *const T, self.len))
+            }
+        } else {
+            None
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Access the data as a slice of sample type `T`.
+    ///
+    /// Returns `None` if the sample type does not match the expected sample format.
+    pub fn as_slice_mut<T>(&mut self) -> Option<&mut [T]>
+    where
+        T: Sample,
+    {
+        if T::FORMAT == self.sample_format {
+            // The safety of this block relies on correct construction of the `Data` instance. See
+            // the unsafe `from_parts` constructor for these requirements.
+            unsafe {
+                Some(std::slice::from_raw_parts_mut(self.data as *mut T, self.len))
+            }
+        } else {
+            None
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 impl SupportedFormat {
@@ -306,40 +378,6 @@ impl SupportedFormat {
     }
 }
 
-impl<'a, T> Deref for InputData<'a, T>
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
-    type Target = [T];
-
-    #[inline]
-    fn deref(&self) -> &[T] {
-        self.buffer
-    }
-}
-
-impl<'a, T> Deref for OutputData<'a, T>
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
-    type Target = [T];
-
-    #[inline]
-    fn deref(&self) -> &[T] {
-        self.buffer
-    }
-}
-
-impl<'a, T> DerefMut for OutputData<'a, T>
-where
-    T: Sample,
-{
-    #[inline]
-    fn deref_mut(&mut self) -> &mut [T] {
-        self.buffer
-    }
-}
-
 impl From<Format> for SupportedFormat {
     #[inline]
     fn from(format: Format) -> SupportedFormat {
diff --git a/src/platform/mod.rs b/src/platform/mod.rs
index dfa2632..8b936a9 100644
--- a/src/platform/mod.rs
+++ b/src/platform/mod.rs
@@ -255,15 +255,14 @@ macro_rules! impl_platform_host {
                 }
             }
 
-            fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+            fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
                 &self,
                 format: &crate::Format,
                 data_callback: D,
                 error_callback: E,
             ) -> Result<Self::Stream, crate::BuildStreamError>
             where
-                T: crate::Sample,
-                D: FnMut(crate::InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+                D: FnMut(&crate::Data) + Send + 'static,
                 E: FnMut(crate::StreamError) + Send + 'static,
             {
                 match self.0 {
@@ -275,15 +274,14 @@ macro_rules! impl_platform_host {
                 }
             }
 
-            fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+            fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
                 &self,
                 format: &crate::Format,
                 data_callback: D,
                 error_callback: E,
             ) -> Result<Self::Stream, crate::BuildStreamError>
             where
-                T: crate::Sample,
-                D: FnMut(crate::OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+                D: FnMut(&mut crate::Data) + Send + 'static,
                 E: FnMut(crate::StreamError) + Send + 'static,
             {
                 match self.0 {
diff --git a/src/traits.rs b/src/traits.rs
index c00e294..4aeb8e6 100644
--- a/src/traits.rs
+++ b/src/traits.rs
@@ -2,17 +2,15 @@
 
 use {
     BuildStreamError,
+    Data,
     DefaultFormatError,
     DeviceNameError,
     DevicesError,
     Format,
-    InputData,
     InputDevices,
-    OutputData,
     OutputDevices,
     PauseStreamError,
     PlayStreamError,
-    Sample,
     StreamError,
     SupportedFormat,
     SupportedFormatsError,
@@ -120,27 +118,25 @@ pub trait DeviceTrait {
     fn default_output_format(&self) -> Result<Format, DefaultFormatError>;
 
     /// Create an input stream.
-    fn build_input_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_input_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(InputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static;
 
     /// Create an output stream.
-    fn build_output_stream<T, D, E>(
+    fn build_output_stream<D, E>(
         &self,
         format: &Format,
         data_callback: D,
         error_callback: E,
     ) -> Result<Self::Stream, BuildStreamError>
     where
-        T: Sample,
-        D: FnMut(OutputData<T>) + Send + 'static,
+        D: FnMut(&mut Data) + Send + 'static,
         E: FnMut(StreamError) + Send + 'static;
 }