Changing sample rate and bit depth

The sample rate and bit depth are set in the Pro Tools dashboard when starting a new session. While you can adjust the bit depth anytime, the sample rate is locked once the session is created. To change it, you’ll need to create a copy of the session with the new sample rate. Here’s what you need to know:

Setting sample rate and bit depth for new sessions

When starting a new Pro Tools session, you can set the Sample Rate and Bit Depth in the Session Parameters section of the Dashboard.
48 kHz / 24-bit works well for many projects, especially video, broadcast, and streaming.
Once you create a session with a specific setting, Pro Tools remembers and defaults to that setting for future sessions unless changed.

Changing the bit depth of your session

You can change the bit depth during a session, but this change only applies to new recordings, renders, or commits—it does not alter the bit depth of existing audio files in the session. Your session may contain audio files with mixed bit depths and sample rates, which can cause different audio files to play back at different pitches and speeds.

1. Go to Session Settings:

To adjust the Bit Depth of an existing session, go to Setup > Session in the top menu bar.

2. Adjust the Bit Depth:

In the Session Setup window, you can change the Bit Depth for new recordings and renders. Any changes made will apply only to future audio files added to the session.

Changing the sample rate of your session

You can change the sample rate of an existing session by creating a copy of your session and defining new parameters. Follow these steps:

1. Save a Copy of the Session:

To change the Sample Rate of an existing session, create a copy. Go to File > Save Session Copy In.

2. Set the New Sample Rate and Bit Depth:

In the Save Session Copy dialog box, choose the new Sample Rate and Bit Depth.

3. Save and Open the New Session:

Save the copied session to your desired location. Once saved, open the new session to work with the updated sample rate.

Saving a copy of a session with a new sample rate and bit depth

Next page >