Sample Rate

Q: What sample rate should I use?

The sample rate you should use depends on the purposes for which the audio signal is intended. The 44,1 kHz sample rate is often used because it offers good sound quality while not requiring too much storage space and bandwidth. This sample rate is also the most commonly used sample rate for Music Streaming Services - but not sample rate with the best balance between memory requirements and quality. For the We recommend 48 kHz for publication on digital music platforms . The 48 kHz sample rate is commonly used for professional audio recording and editing and offers slightly better sound quality than 44,1 kHz. It is widely used for movies, TV shows, streaming platforms and other audiovisual content that needs to be released in high quality. The 96 kHz sample rate is often used for very high quality audio recording and editing and offers the highest sound quality. However, it also requires more storage space and bandwidth, so it might not be the best choice for publishing on digital platforms. It's important to note that the sample rate can vary based on genre and music producer preferences, and that there is no universal "right" sample rate. It is important to choose the sample rate carefully to ensure that the audio signal is of the desired quality and fit for purpose.

What is a sample rate?

The sample rate is a measure of how many samples are captured from an audio signal per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and describes how often a snapshot of the audio signal is recorded each second. A sample represents the loudness of the audio signal at a specific moment in time.

Sample rate is an important factor in audio quality because it directly affects the bandwidth of the signal. A higher sample rate can capture more detail, but it also requires more storage space and bandwidth. In the audio industry, different sample rates are used depending on the intended purpose. Common sample rates include 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz. 44.1 kHz is commonly used for CDs, while 48 kHz and 96 kHz are often used for professional audio recording and editing. The right sample rate can still vary depending on the genre, workflow and preferences of the music producer.

What sample rate should I use?

The sample rate you should use depends on the purpose for which the audio signal is intended.

A sample rate of 44.1 kHz is common because it offers good sound quality without requiring too much storage space or bandwidth. It is also widely used for music streaming services, although it is not always the best balance between file size and quality. For releases on digital music platforms, we recommend 48 kHz.

The 48 kHz sample rate is often used for professional audio recording and editing and offers slightly better sound quality than 44.1 kHz. It is commonly used for films, television programs, streaming platforms and other audiovisual content intended for high-quality release.

A 96 kHz sample rate is often used for very high-quality audio recording and editing and offers the highest sound quality. However, it also requires more storage space and bandwidth, so it is not always the best choice for release on digital platforms.

There is no universally correct sample rate. The best choice depends on the genre, workflow and preferences of the music producer, as well as the intended release format.

Using technical settings in the overall mix: Our Mixing Guide shows how sample rate, headroom and signal structure work together throughout the full mixing process.