Glossary
What is sample rate?
MarkdownWhat it is
Each measurement is a sample. A higher rate can represent higher frequencies. 44.1 kHz is enough to cover the range humans hear, and higher rates are mostly used while recording and editing.
Why it matters on a Mac
Mixing files with different rates in an editor can force conversion. Video projects usually expect 48 kHz.
How to check it on macOS
Select an audio file in Finder and press Command-I, or open Audio MIDI Setup to see a device's rate. Media Info in Toolbox lists the sample rate of each audio track.
How Toolbox handles it
Convert Audio lets you keep the original sample rate or pick another, and keeps 24-bit sources at 24-bit for lossless formats.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher sample rate better?
Not for listening. Beyond 44.1 or 48 kHz most people hear no difference.
Is sample rate the same as bitrate?
No. Sample rate is measurements per second. Bitrate is data per second.
Which rate should I choose?
Keep the original unless a project needs a specific one.
