Freesound Forums

Is it even necessary to know the correct sample rate for a game engine like Unreal Engine or Unity?

What about modding games too? Do you have to match the same sample rate used for the sound effects inside a any given PC game?

As high as supported by the audio chip DSP unit. Some support 16bit 48kHz, some 24bit 96kHz, my AE-5 supports 32bit 96kHz. There is a catch though. My soundcard supports 32bit 384kHz, but only as passthrough, so the audio basically goes straight through the chip directly to speakers. If I want DSP to process them, I need to use 32bit 96kHz.

If your specs are correct, I'd say 16bit 48kHz is what you'll probably be able to use with your system (assuming you're using onboard audio).

What games do you use ?

Well, understanding the correct sample rate is crucial in game development, particularly for engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. Matching the sample rate ensures proper synchronization between audio elements and the game environment. Inaccurate sample rates may lead to audio distortion, synchronization issues, or unintended changes in pitch and speed, as divein.com explains in their insightful article on the evolution of gaming audio. Consistency with the original sample rate is equally important for modding games, helping maintain the intended audio experience when modifying sound effects. So, having a good grasp of sample rates is essential for delivering a seamless and immersive gaming audio experience.

The maximum audio quality supported depends on the capabilities of the audio chip's DSP unit. Some chips support 16-bit 48kHz, others 24-bit 96kHz, and in my case, the AE-5 supports 32-bit 96kHz. However, there's a caveat. While my sound card theoretically supports 32-bit 384kHz, it's only as a passthrough, meaning the audio bypasses DSP processing and goes straight to the speakers. To utilize DSP processing, I must use 32-bit 96kHz.

Based on your specifications, it's likely that your system supports 16-bit 48kHz audio quality (assuming you're using onboard audio).