Summary 📝

When sound is recorded by a computer, it is converted from an analogue wave into digital data using a process called sampling. This means taking measurements of the sound wave’s amplitude at regular time intervals. 

The number of samples taken per second is called the sample rate, and how detailed each sample is depends on the bit depth. A higher sample rate and bit depth produce better quality sound but increase file size. 

Sound files are stored in binary so computers can process and play them back. Compression is often used to reduce file size for easier storage and sharing, sometimes reducing quality in the process. 

Understanding how sound is digitised is essential for working with music, video, and other media in digital systems. 

Key Learning Points 📌

• Sound is an analogue signal and must be digitised by a computer.
  
  

• Sampling measures the height (amplitude) of the sound wave at set time intervals.
  
  

• Sample rate is how many times per second a sample is taken (measured in Hz).
  
  

• Bit depth is how many bits are used to store each sample (affects sound quality).
  
  

• Higher sample rate and bit depth = better quality but larger file size.
  
  

• Sound files are stored as binary data using these digital samples.
  
  

• Compression reduces file size and may reduce sound quality (e.g., MP3).