Which sample rate is best

The inverse happens if the system sample rate is on the Super-high audio sample rates also have an interesting creative use. Frequencies above However, if this audio were recorded at kHz, for example, frequencies of up to 96 kHz in the original audio would be recorded. This is obviously way outside of what humans can hear, but pitching the audio down causes these inaudible frequencies to become audible. For more information on audio sample rate, be sure to check out the video below.

Analog audio is a continuous wave, with an effectively infinite number of possible amplitude values. The audio bit depth determines the number of possible amplitude values we can record for each sample. The most common audio bit depths are bit, bit, and bit. Each is a binary term, representing a number of possible values.

Systems of higher audio bit depths are able to express more possible values:. With a higher audio bit depth—and therefore a higher resolution—more amplitude values are available for us to record. Therefore, a digital approximation of the amplitude becomes closer to the original fluid analog wave. Increasing the audio bit depth, along with increasing the audio sample rate, creates more total points to reconstruct the analog wave.

However, the fluid analog wave does not always perfectly line up with a possible value, regardless of the resolution. As a result, the last bit in the data denoting the amplitude is rounded to either 0 or 1, in a process called quantization.

This means there is an essentially randomized part of the signal. In digital audio, we hear this randomization as a low white noise , which we call the noise floor. Like the mechanical noise introduced in an analog context or background noise in a live acoustic setting, digital quantization error introduces noise into our audio. Harmonic relationships between the sample rate and audio, along with the bit depth, can cause certain patterns in quantization.

This is known as correlated noise, which we hear as resonances in the noise floor at certain frequencies. Here, our noise floor is actually higher, taking up potential amplitude values for a recorded signal. In a process called dithering , we can randomize how this last bit gets rounded. The amplitude of the noise floor becomes the bottom of our possible dynamic range.

On the other side of the spectrum, a digital system can distort if the amplitude is too high when a signal exceeds the maximum value the binary system can create. This level is referred to as 0 dBFS.

In the end, our audio bit depth determines the number of possible amplitude values between the noise floor and 0 dBFS. This is a valid question. The noise floor, even in a bit system, is incredibly low. Unless you need more than 96 dB of effective dynamic range , bit is viable for the final bounce of a project. Because the noise floor drops, you essentially have more room before distortion occurs—also known as headroom. Having this extra buffer space before distortion is a good failsafe while working and provides more flexibility.

Digital audio allows us myriad possibilities for manipulating audio, many of which were not available in analog systems. Additionally, improving technologies over the years have helped to eliminate many problems introduced in a digital system. Technologies continue to evolve, making it possible for digital audio to be totally indistinguishable from its analog counterpart.

Adding upper harmonics is a great way to make a sound more exciting and present in the mix. Digital reverb is a game-changer. In this article, we discuss how digital reverb works and considerations when using it. What is pitch correction? Your DAW gives you the option to record your audio at sample rates such as So whats the difference? Research shows that a sample rate will capture frequencies at half of its amount.

For example, a sample rate of Humans with great hearing can hear up to 20kHz. This tells us that a sample rate of 44,1kHz is perfectly adequate to record music. Some people insist they can hear improvements in audio recorded at higher sample rates. The science just doesn't support these claims. My advice is to stick with In fact, there are some that believe that very high sample rates may actually make your music sound worse.

Bouncing your final mastered track to release at What sample rates do you like to work with for your recording and bounces? Leave your feedback in the comments below. We will use the email address you provide to send you free downloadable guides, notifications of our latest blog posts, general updates and offers on our products and services. If you are happy to receive these types of emails, please confirm here:.

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Is a higher sample rate better? Sample rate: