Representing Sound

What is the sample rate?

Number of audio samples captured per second measured in hertz

How does sample rate affect file sizes?

More samples = more accurate reproduction = better quality = larger file sizes

What is the bit depth?

Number of bits available for each sample, the higher the greater the accuracy and quality

What is the bit rate?

quantity of data (bits) processed in a given time usually in kbps, the higher the more realistic

What is an analogue signal?

a continuous varying signal that represents a physical quantity e.g sound waves/ temperature

What is analogue to digital conversion?

Converting analogue signal into digital fata for a computer to store

Why do we need ADC?

Humans hear in analogue, whereas computers work in digital so they need to convert

Steps for ADC

1. Audio is captured via an input device e.g microphone

2. The sound travels as an electrical signal

3. Computer/ converter changes this signal into binary data

4. Software saves data as sound files with quality being determined by sample rate, bit depth and bit rate.

What are the units for frequency?

Hertz