Sample Rate
The sample rate of a digital audio system sets the upper frequency limit on the recorded audio. The sample rate also directly affects the file size for a recording of a given length. The available sample rates depend on how many microphones are connected to a single SMART Controller.
- Options
- 256 kHz
- Default
- 256 kHz
Audio up to half of the sample rate will be recorded in the resulting file. For example, a sample rate of 256 kHz means you can record audio up to 128 kHz. For bat monitoring, your sample rate should be at least two times the highest frequency produced by your species of interest. Choosing the lowest sample rate that meets this criterion will minimize your data storage use.
Native zero-crossing (ZC) recorders do not use a sample rate. However, the SMART produces ZC files by converting audio that is first recorded in full-spectrum. Therefore, the sample rate will determine the highest frequency that can be recorded for both full-spectrum and zero-crossing files.
Limitations on Sample Rate
The SMART Controller has been tested to determine recommended limits on sample rate and number of microphones. Exceeding these recommendations can result in dropped samples or audio discontinuities. The SMART Controller can be purchased with an upgraded CPU, which expands the number of microphones that can be used simultaneously with a given sample rate.
| Number of Microphones | Recommended Maximum Sample Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Base-Model SMART Controller (2-Core CPU) | Upgraded SMART Controller (4-Core CPU) | |
| 1 | 500 kHz | 500 kHz |
| 2 | 384 kHz | 500 kHz |
| 3 | 256 kHz | 500 kHz |
| 4 | Not supported | 500 kHz |
