Introduction to Digital Audio
Objectives Explain the difference between analog and digital signals Identify audio sampling standards Describe audio sampling variables Determine how variables affect file size and quality
Analog vs. Digital Signals A continuously recorded sine wave signal usually recorded on a magnetic medium
Analog vs. Digital Signals A signal that samples specified portions of a signal resulting in discrete digital information (i.e. bits of data) “Sampled” discrete data
Audio Sampling Variables Three main criteria: How many samples? OR “sampling rate” How much data per sample? OR “bit depth” How many channels sampled?
How Many Samples? Audio “Sampling Rates” Digital Video CD Quality Stereo FM Radio AM Radio Telephone
How Many Samples? Audio “Sampling Rates” Digital Video 48,000 per sec 32,000 per sec
How Many Samples? Audio “Sampling Rates” CD Quality 44,100 per sec Left & Right Channels Combined
Other Sample Rates Typical Sample Rates: Sample Rate Less 8000 Quality Telephone 11000 AM Radio 16000 FM Radio 22050 per Stereo
How Much Data per Sample? Common Sampling “Bit Depth” 8 bits of data per sample 16 bits of data
How Many Channels Sampled? Number of Channels Stereo (2 channels) Mono (1 channel) Multiple tracks
Audio Sampling Variables Quality File Size Digital Audio
Audio Sampling Variables Sample Rate Bit Depth Number of Channels Record Settings Sound Quality File Size Balance
Audio Record Rate More Audio Samples Larger Files
Audio File Size File size is determined by a combination of: Bit Depth Sample Rate No of Channels
Audio File Size File size is determined by a combination of: Sample Rate Bit Depth No of Channels Length in Minutes
Audio File Size Variables of concern: Various Sample Rates 8 bit or 16 bit Various Sample Rates Stereo or Mono Length in Minutes
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