Using Binary to Represent Sound

Question 1

How does it work?

Answer 1

A computer takes samples of the sound wave at regular intervals, converts the samples into binary and stores them. The computer can then re-create the sound by reversing the process.

Question 2

What effects the file size and quality?

Answer 2

Sample rate

Bit rate

Question 3

What is sample rate?

Answer 3

Number of samples taken each second. Measured in Hz.

High sample rate = higher quality but larger file size.

Question 4

What is bit rate?

Answer 4

Amount of bits used to store the different levels of sound at each sampling interval.
More bits = greater range of levels that can be distinguished. Increases file size.