The maximum sampling rate indicates how many times per second the microphone's internal transducer can "measure" and record a sound wave. Sound is a continuous analog signal in the real world, but to be stored in a computer it must be converted to digital data, a series of numbers. This process is called sampling. The sampling frequency, given in hertz (Hz) or kilohertz (kHz), therefore determines the density of these digital samples. For example, a frequency of 48 kHz means that sound is analysed and recorded 48 000 times per second. The higher this value, the more accurately and with greater detail the original sound wave is converted into digital form. For a faithful recording of sound audible to the human ear, which perceives frequencies down to about 20 kHz, standard values such as 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz are sufficient. Higher frequencies, such as 96 kHz, also capture information above the audible limit, providing greater flexibility for professional post-production and audio editing by reducing the risk of unwanted digital distortion during processes such as slowing down the recording.
