Sample rate and frequency range
Digital audio captures a sound wave by measuring it thousands of times per second. The sample rate sets the highest frequency that can be recorded: half the sample rate, known as the Nyquist frequency. At 44.1 kHz that's 22.05 kHz, above the roughly 20 kHz limit of human hearing. Higher rates (96 kHz, 192 kHz) extend the range and can make some processing easier, at the cost of much larger files and more CPU load.
Bit depth and dynamic range
Bit depth determines the number of possible amplitude values for each sample, and therefore the dynamic range between the loudest signal and the noise floor.
Dynamic range ≈ 6.02 × bits + 1.76 dB · File size (bytes/s) = sample rate × bit depth × channels ÷ 8
| Bit depth | Dynamic range | Typical use |
|---|
| 16-bit | ≈ 98 dB | CD, final delivery |
| 24-bit | ≈ 146 dB (theoretical) | Recording & mixing standard |
| 32-bit float | Effectively unlimited headroom | Field recorders, internal DAW processing |
How much disk space?
| Format | Per mono track-minute | Per mono track-hour |
|---|
| 44.1 kHz / 16-bit | 5.3 MB | 0.32 GB |
| 48 kHz / 24-bit | 8.6 MB | 0.52 GB |
| 96 kHz / 24-bit | 17.3 MB | 1.04 GB |
| 192 kHz / 32-bit float | 46.1 MB | 2.76 GB |
A 24-track live recording at 48 kHz / 24-bit uses about 12.4 GB per hour – plan backup space as well.
Recommended settings
- Music production: 44.1 or 48 kHz, 24-bit.
- Video and film: 48 kHz, 24-bit.
- Podcasts and voice: 48 kHz, 24-bit for recording; deliver as compressed audio.
- Field recording and sound design: 96 kHz or 32-bit float for flexibility.
Storage tips
Record to a fast SSD, keep a second copy on another drive during the session, and archive finished projects to external or cloud storage. Track counts and takes add up quickly in band and live recording.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a 24-bit 48 kHz WAV file?
About 8.6 MB per minute for mono and 17.3 MB per minute for stereo.
Is 24-bit better than 16-bit?
For recording, yes – it gives much more headroom and a lower noise floor. 16-bit is fine for final delivery.
What sample rate should I record at?
44.1 or 48 kHz for most music; 48 kHz for video. Higher rates are optional for special processing.
What is the Nyquist frequency?
Half the sample rate – the highest frequency a digital system can capture without aliasing.
How much storage do I need for multitrack recording?
A 24-track session at 48 kHz/24-bit uses about 12.4 GB per hour.
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