Sample Rate
Audio Sample Rate
The number of audio samples captured per second, measured in Hz (e.g. 44,100 Hz for CD quality).
Technical Detail
According to the Nyquist-Shannon theorem, a sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency to be captured. CD audio uses 44,100 Hz (capturing up to 22,050 Hz, beyond most human hearing at ~20,000 Hz). Professional audio uses 48,000 Hz (video standard), 96,000 Hz, or 192,000 Hz for headroom during processing. Higher sample rates are valuable for time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms but provide no audible benefit during playback for most listeners.
Example
``` Sample rate standards: 8,000 Hz — Telephone (max 4 kHz audio) 22,050 Hz — AM radio quality 44,100 Hz — CD audio (captures up to 22 kHz) 48,000 Hz — Video/broadcast standard 96,000 Hz — High-res audio production Nyquist: sample_rate ÷ 2 = max capturable frequency 44,100 Hz ÷ 2 = 22,050 Hz (above human hearing ~20 kHz) ```
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