Sample rate discrepancy; what are the consequences?

[ignatz]

I am using Audacity 1.3.9 with Windows 7, with good results.

I just found this in the Audacity documentation regarding sample rate or recording channel discrepancies:

"To prevent possible sample rate or recording channel discrepancies, right-click again and click Properties then the Advanced tab, and make sure the "Default format" matches both with the project rate bottom left of the Audacity screen, and with the number of "recording channels" in the Audio I/O tab of Audacity Preferences (Devices tab in current Audacity Beta); now click OK"

Well, out of curiosity, I checked.

The project rate in the lower left of my Audacity windows is set at 44100. I have never changed this setting, though I know it can be done in preferences.

In Windows sound control panel, I notice that my "stereo mix" advanced properties tab shows "2 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz DVD Quality. The only other choice from the dropdown is "2 channel, 24 bit, 48000 Hz, studio quality"

So there is a discrepancy: 48k in stereo mix versus 44100 in Audacity project rate.

No doubt, these settings have been in effect since my installation. I have not noticed any issues, errors, or anomalies. Everything sounds fine.

Is it broke or isn't it? Should I change the Audacity preferences to 48k? If it is "broke", it doesn't appear to have audible effects in my case.

For what it may be worth, I never use or save "projects". Everything I do is on a file by file basis involving WAV or mp3 song files. I import or record, alter, and then export.

Any clarity on this would be appreciated.

[steve]

"To prevent possible sample rate or recording channel discrepancies, right-click again and click Properties then the Advanced tab, and make sure the "Default format" matches both with the project rate bottom left of the Audacity screen, and with the number of "recording channels" in the Audio I/O tab of Audacity Preferences (Devices tab in current Audacity Beta); now click OK"

If I recall correctly, that is in relation to the settings in the Windows 7 Control Panel?

It shouldn't make any difference (it doesn't on XP), but on Windows 7 many of the currently available sound card drivers suck and require this tweak. In cases where this tweak is required, either it won't record at all, or recording stops after a couple of seconds, or it records at completely the wrong speed. If it's a problem it is a really obvious problem. If you notice no problem then congratulations, you are one of the lucky few that have fully functional sound card drivers on Windows 7.

[ignatz]

It shouldn't make any difference (it doesn't on XP), but on Windows 7 many of the currently available sound card drivers suck and require this tweak. In cases where this tweak is required, either it won't record at all, or recording stops after a couple of seconds, or it records at completely the wrong speed. If it's a problem it is a really obvious problem. If you notice no problem then congratulations, you are one of the lucky few that have fully functional sound card drivers on Windows 7.

Thanks for info; I will leave the mismatch in place rather than alter a known working setting.

Yes, it's a comparison between the what is shown at the lower left in the main Audacity Window and what is found in Windows sound control panel when drilling down into the properties of your recording device.

I'm running Windows 7 alright, but I'm using an old Sigmatel driver (November 11, 2006). Had to resort to that antique to get "stereo mix" going on this Intel motherboard sound chip, after a week or so of hair-pulling.