Audacity Sample Rates and Bit Depth

Let's talk Audacity sample rates and bit depth. What is a sample rate? What am I sampling and why? What is bit depth? What's the relationship between sample rate and bit depth? Why are there sample rates displayed in each track and a project sample rate in the lower left corner of the screen? What's the difference and do they have to match? Where do I set the default sample rate in Audacity?
Contents:
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Digital and Analog
00:48 - Digital Waveforms
01:10 - Analog to Digital Conversion
02:46 - Topics: Sample Rate and Bit Depth
03:10 - Track Sample Rates and Project Sample Rate
03:59 - What Is a Sample Rate?
05:17 - Project Sample Rate
05:51 - Three Examples of Different Project Rates
08:55 - What is Bit Depth?
12:07 - Changing Track Sample Rates
13:05 - Project Sample Rate for ACX Audiobooks
14:13 - How to Set The Default Project Sample Rate
15:44 - Sample Rate Conversion Settings in Audacity
17:49 - Recap
18:06 - MP3 Export for ACX
19:41 - What is MP3 Bit Rate?
20:23 - Wrap-up and Video Courses I Teach
Hardware used in this video (NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases).
- Fudesy Green Screen: amzn.to/3OTqZuV
- Shotgun-Microphone, SYNCO D2 Hyper-Cardioid Condenser Mic: amzn.to/3vKUasj
- Zoom H6 Portable Recorder: amzn.to/3FgMdyp
- Neewer 2-Pack Dimmable 5600K USB LED Video Light with Adjustable Tripod Stand and Color Filters: amzn.to/3ydGA2j
Other places you'll find me:
- Learn Audacity: learnaudacity.com
- Audacity Bootcamp: Beginner to Advanced: learnaudacity.com/audacity-bo...
- ACX Audiobook Production Using Audacity: learnaudacity.com/acx-audiobo...
- Zoom H6 Audio Recording Essentials: learnaudacity.com/zoom-h6-aud...

[@TCrime-]

Fabulous information my friend. I'm new to audacity and your tips have made a real difference. Thank you and I definately subbed for more intel

[@MargaretABartley]

I like your depth and consciseness - it's unusualy to have both. I'm sure it's due to your expertise! When I record off the sound coming from my sound card, whether it's from a DVD in my optical drive, or a broadcast from the internet, the sound is very tinny. Changing bass, bit depth, sample rates don't seem to make any difference. This was not an issue in earlier versions. I've not updated for years, I think I was using a version from 2012. When I did the playback, I couldn't tell if it was the origirnal, or the audacity. Excellent quality. I made smoe changes to my computer, I installed software to record video, and I also tried to activate voice-to-text in Word. I must have done something in my ignorance, because the next tsime I tried to record from the internet, the file was really tinny - unacceptable with music, and like a really poor-quality podcast. I upgraded to the latest Audacity (3..3.3) and it did not help. The sound quality is really bad. I'm not sure what to look at next. Any suggestions?

[@andremacedo948]

Very concise, thank you.

[@LearnAudacity]

You're welcome. Thanks!

[@FireSideStories]

Thank you for this lesson 🙂

[@LearnAudacity]

You're welcome. Thanks!

[@MatematicaRio]

So Audacity turns every microphone into 32 bit float? This is it? Like, if I connect my RØDE Wireless Go into my computer jack, then I can record its audio with Audacity in 32 bit float?

[@LearnAudacity]

No. You can read more about it here: manual.audacityteam.org/man/sample_format_bit_depth.html

[@ImmersionaudioLTD]

quick question, down the bottom left of audacity, where it says project rate, it doesnt show that in my version which i really need.. as opposed to on each track selection for changing the rate, im on 3.31 (windows) how can that be changed? as you stated when you change each track it shortens? i never had a problem with that before,

[@NG_VOA]

Thank you so much Mike for this useful info. I'm a budding voice talent from India and I use Audacity to finish my files. I've been auditioning for quite sometime now but have failed in getting good projects. Recently have found out that my performances are liked but the clients don't like the quality of my audio. I use USB condenser mic (not so expensive) and Sennheiser studio headphones. Since you are a master of Audacity, could you please help me? 🙏

[@LearnAudacity]

Check out the current Season 2 of my Audacity Channel podcast. Season 2 is dedicated to ingredients for good initial audio. www.audacitychannel.com/

[@edwardjonese]

i can hear the difference between 22050 and 480000 - 480000 sounds brighter and clearer

[@LearnAudacity]

Nice. I can too.

[@wesleytheboss]

Hello, nice video project rate (HZ) is hidden in my interface and I can't activate it (Audacity 3.3.1)

[@SuddenlyMythical]

same, think I'm on a newer version than that too