Quality Preferences

Quality

• Sampling: This panel sets the default sample rate and sample format (bit depth) which will be used each time Audacity is launched, or each time a new project window is opened with File > New.
  • If you want to change the sample rate of an existing project, it's easiest to do so by clicking the Project Rate dropdown at left of the Selection Bar. However changing default sample rate in this dialog is also effective immediately and changes the Project Rate dropdown.
  • The sample format affects both imported and newly recorded material. The default 32-bit float resolution gives the highest quality of the three choices but takes twice the storage space on disk compared to 16 bit resolution.

• Conversion: These options concern the trade-offs that arise when converting from one sample rate to another and one sample format to another. For example, sample rate conversion is necessary whenever the sample rate of the track does not match the current project rate. Sample format conversion would be required upon export if you used the default 32 bit float sample format but exported a 16 bit audio file.
  • Both the Sample Rate Converter and the Dither (for conversion between sample formats) have options for use in different circumstances. The Real-time options are only used when converting sample rates or formats for playback in Audacity. The High-quality options are used for sound that is being converted for storage on disk, for example when mixing or exporting.
  • Option dropdown menus: The Real-time Sample Rate Converter defaults to "Fast Sinc Interpolation". Use this if you find "High-Quality Sinc Interpolation" gives jerky or uneven playback. The "rectangular" and "triangular" Dither options are different rounding methods when converting to a sample format with lower bit depth. The "Shaped" dither means it is shaped so that rounding errors are concentrated in the less easily heard frequencies.