Changing the Sample Rate in Windows

Windows allows you to select the default sample rate for any audio playback device when using Shared Mode.

Open the Sound Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type:

   mmsys.cpl

3. Press Enter.

The Sound Control Panel will open.

Change the Default Sample Rate

1. Select the Playback tab.

2. Choose the audio device you want to configure.

3. Click Properties.

4. Open the Advanced tab.

5. Under Default Format, select the desired sample rate and bit depth, for example:

   • 24 bit, 44100 Hz

   • 24 bit, 48000 Hz

   • 24 bit, 96000 Hz

   • 24 bit, 192000 Hz

6. Click Apply, then OK.

The selected format becomes the default format used by Windows when applications play audio in Shared Mode.

If the Desired Sample Rate Is Not Available

If the sample rate you want does not appear in the Default Format list:

• Verify that the connected audio device supports the desired sample rate.

• Disconnect and reconnect the device.

• Reopen the Sound Control Panel (mmsys.cpl).

• Ensure you are configuring the correct playback device.

The available sample rates are determined by the device's USB audio driver and hardware capabilities.

Shared Mode vs. Exclusive Mode

The Default Format setting only affects applications using Windows Shared Mode.

Applications using WASAPI Exclusive, ASIO, or another exclusive audio interface can select their own sample rate independently of the Windows setting. In these cases, the application's setting takes precedence.

Notes

• Changing the default sample rate does not improve the quality of audio recorded at a lower sample rate.

• If the audio content uses a different sample rate than the Windows setting, Windows or the playback application may perform sample-rate conversion automatically.

• Some applications must be restarted before they begin using the newly selected sample rate.