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Definition
Sample rate is the number of audio samples captured per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). CD audio uses 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz), meaning 44,100 snapshots of the sound wave per second. Higher sample rates capture higher frequencies, following the Nyquist theorem.
Digital audio works by measuring the amplitude of a sound wave at regular intervals. Each measurement is called a sample. The sample rate determines how many measurements are taken per second. According to the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, a sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency you want to capture. Since human hearing tops out around 20 kHz, a 44.1 kHz sample rate captures the full audible range.
Common sample rates include: 8,000 Hz (telephone), 22,050 Hz (AM radio quality), 44,100 Hz (CD standard), 48,000 Hz (video/broadcast standard), 96,000 Hz (high-resolution audio), and 192,000 Hz (studio master recordings). For most purposes, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz provides transparent quality indistinguishable from higher rates.
When converting audio, reducing the sample rate (downsampling) permanently discards frequency content above half the new rate. Converting a 96 kHz recording to 44.1 kHz removes ultrasonic frequencies above 22.05 kHz — inaudible to humans. Increasing the sample rate (upsampling) adds no new information but may be needed for compatibility with certain equipment or software.