Simple Explanation

A way of storing sound using numbers instead of continuous waves; it breaks sound into tiny pieces in time and loudness.

Concise Technical Definition

Sound that has been recorded in or converted into digital data by sampling the waveform at discrete intervals. For example, CD-quality audio uses 44,100 samples per second (44.1 kHz) with a 16-bit depth.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a flipbook that turns smooth motion into lots of pictures, digital audio turns flowing sound into lots of tiny data snapshots.

Industry Usage Summary

Digital audio is used in nearly all modern media—from music streaming to film production—because it allows easy editing, copying, storage, and distribution without degradation. Engineers consider sample rate and bit depth as key specs for quality.

Engineering Shortcut

Audio encoded as discrete samples over time—quantized in amplitude and time; e.g., 44.1 kHz/16-bit for CDs.

Full Technical Explanation

Digital audio is the representation of sound using digital signals. The original analog waveform is sampled at fixed intervals (sample rate) and each sample is assigned a numerical value (bit depth), quantifying its amplitude. This creates a series of discrete values that approximate the original waveform. Common formats include WAV, FLAC, and MP3. The accuracy of digital audio depends on factors like sample rate, bit depth, and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) quality. While lossy formats (like MP3) reduce file size by discarding less audible information, lossless formats retain all sample data.