Q: Should I be working at 96kHz sample rate in my studio?
A: This is one of those questions that is difficult to answer, so we will reply: it depends. Technically, what sample rate determines is the frequency response of the recorded signal. Some listeners claim to be able to hear a difference with the wider frequency response (which extends past the commonly accepted upper limit of healthy, young human hearing of 20kHz). Other listeners claim to hear no difference at all.
But there are other factors to consider:
- 96kHz files require more than double the storage space of 44.1kHz (CD standard) files.
- 96kHz files require more horsepower from your computer and DAW to process and play.
- Some plug-ins, such as EQs, are said to operate better and sound better at higher sample rates.
- The filters used on high sample rate files can be designed to have less audible impact than filters used for lower sample rates.
- In the future, it may be possible to easily deliver higher sample rate files to end listeners, so it may make sense to “future-proof” your recordings for those future formats.
- …and more.
What it really comes down to is this: do you hear a difference with higher sample rates, and if you do, do you feel it is worth the extra resources required?
We recommend making two identical (or as identical as possible) recordings of a source at standard and high sample rates and listening for yourself.