Representing Audio in Binary
Sampling
Definition
The sample rate is the number of samples of sound taken per second when trying to represent a piece of audio digitally. It is typically expressed in Hertz (Hz).
What effect does it have to...
... FILE SIZE
When you lower the sampling rate of an audio file, the size of that file is decreased whereas, if you increase the sampling rate, the file size for that audio clip increases.
For example -
... SOUND QUALITY
The higher the sampling rate, the clearer the sound quality of the audio file, and visa versa...
Bit Rate
Definition
The bit rate is the amount of bits. For instance, you could have an audio file which has 2 bits so would only have so many points of conversion (00, 01, 10, 11) but if you had 8 bits there would be more. Most audio files have bit rates in the kilo bit per second (kbps) range.
What effect does it have to...
... FILE SIZE
When you lower the bit rate of an audio file, the size of that file is decreased whereas, if you increase the bit rate, the file size for that audio clip increases.
For example -
... SOUND QUALITY
An MP3 audio file that is compressed at 192 kbps will have a clearer sound quality as its dynamic range is greater. On the other hand, the same audio file compressed at 84 kbps will be fuzzier.