tags: mus-407 sampling

Digital Audio Standards

Digital Audio Standards are a set of specifications that standardize the [digital audio] industry.

The compact disc stores 16-[bit] audio at a [sample rate] of 44100 [samples] per second.

• [dynamic range] = 96 dB, N = 22050

Many professional studios work with 24- or 32-bit audio at 192000 samples per second

• dynamic range = 144/192 dB, N = 96000

Higher sample rates/bit depths consume significantly more memory. Are the higher specs worth it?

• Debatable, considering that pro-quality audio is often downsampled to 44.1/16 for physical media production/mass distribution
• Consumer listening often occurs in sub-ideal listening environments, with consumer-grade equipment, etc.

Sources

• MUS 407 Sampling
• MUS 407 Digital Audio