Which Camcorder Audio Recording Mode Should You Use?
Generally, DV camcorders use pulse code modulation (PCM) as their primary sampling method. Depending on your camera, you should have several quality choices.
The higher the PCM sampling rates (expressed in thousands of cycles per second (kHz)) and the number of data bits per sample (bits,) the better the quality.
Ideally, you should be able to choose between mono or stereo (that’s one or two channels) and selecting a 16-bit audio source, sampled at 48 kHz, will provide the best quality.
You can record at CD-quality (which, believe it or not is inferior to the highest quality) and sample at 44.1 kHz.
The lower-quality 16-bit samples at 32 kHz are generally so poor in quality that I cannot recommend using this setting for anyone
The lowest quality is four channels at 12-bits sampled at 32 kHz. This is only useful when you plan to do additional voice over or sound effects (SFX) at a later date for commentary or similar purposes.
In short, you should always use the highest quality for your camcorder audio setting unless you have a good reason not to.
These are fantastic tips. Thanks so much!
Landya
December 28, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Video editing programs like iMovie and Final Cut also expect the audio to be in 16bit, 48kHz format.
Thomas Emmerich
December 29, 2008 at 5:51 am