Sample Rates

[Bryant Falk]

Want to post this as I come across it often with videographers. When working with a video camera you usually have two sample rate options, 32k and 48k, (Or 12bit and 16bit). 32k being used for multi track audio recording in your camera which is silly because most cameras only have two inputs!

The second 48k (or 16bit) option is what you should set your camera for. This gives you not only better sound quality but more important... compatability. Digital video editing equipment likes the 48k sound file, let's just say it rings very familiar to them. So when recording audio to camera (Mini DV decks usually), check that your running the 48k or 16 bit option!

 

[Kim Welch]

I apologize for the delay in responding, and thank you for posting. Thank you for the tip, Bryant. On many MiniDV cameras the choice was 12-bit/32 kHz, which allowed four audio channels for later dubbing, or 16-bit/48 kHz, and 16-bit/48 kHz is the one to use. Today 48 kHz is still the standard for video, usually at 24-bit, and many recorders now offer 32-bit float for extra headroom. Matching your sample rate to the project avoids resampling and sync problems in the edit.