Digital audio samples are discrete values (numbers) which represent the amplitude of an audio signal taken at different points in time.
A continuous signal can be sampled at some sampling rate and thus be converted into a digital representation using samples. A series of digital audio samples can be converted back (reconstructed) into an analog audio signal, which may or may not be identical to the original signal. The study and theory behind sampling and reconstruction is based on the sampling theory.
Device what generates samples with microphone is called sampler.
Famous quotes containing the word sample:
“As a rule they will refuse even to sample a foreign dish, they regard such things as garlic and olive oil with disgust, life is unliveable to them unless they have tea and puddings.”
—George Orwell (1903–1950)