Analog Archive Blog
FLAC Sample Rate and Bit Depth: A Family Archive Guide
A non-jargon explanation of sample rate and bit depth choices for household tape digitization projects.
What these numbers really mean
Sample rate controls how often the analog waveform is measured; bit depth controls how precisely each sample can represent level. Both affect the digital headroom available during processing and restoration.
For family archives, the right choice is usually the one that preserves flexibility without unnecessary complexity in your delivery package.
Archive once, listen many ways
A lossless master can be exported to different listening formats later without replaying the original tape. That protects aging media from repeated transport passes.
As a practical rule, preserve at high quality first, then create additional copies tailored for phones, cars, or easy sharing.