Sampling frequency

Sampling frequency, or sample rate, refers to how often a sound is measured or recorded in a digital audio system. Imagine recording a song: if the recording captures 44,100 samples per second, it's like taking 44,100 snapshots of the sound wave each second. This rate affects audio quality; higher sampling frequencies can capture more detail, making the sound clearer and more natural. Standard rates include 44.1 kHz for CDs and 48 kHz for video. However, higher rates require more storage and processing power, so there's a balance between quality and practicality.