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PixelRecorder

Audio Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for audio recording capabilities.

Audio Formats

Broadcast Wave Format (BWF)

The primary audio format for professional use:

PropertyValue
File Extension.wav
ContainerRIFF/WAVE
CodecLinear PCM
Bit Depth16-bit, 24-bit
Sample Rates44.1kHz, 48kHz
ChannelsMono, Stereo
TimecodeEmbedded BEXT chunk

AAC (Embedded in MOV)

For video files with audio:

PropertyValue
CodecAAC-LC
Bit RateUp to 320 kbps
Sample Rates44.1kHz, 48kHz
ChannelsMono, Stereo

Sample Rates

RateDescriptionUse Case
44.1 kHzCD standardMusic, general audio
48 kHzVideo standardVideo production

Recommendation: Use 48kHz for video production.

Bit Depth

DepthDynamic RangeUse Case
16-bit96 dBCD quality, final delivery
24-bit144 dBRecording, editing

Recommendation: Record at 24-bit, deliver at 16-bit.

Channel Configurations

ConfigChannelsUse Case
Mono1Voice, single source
Stereo2Music, ambient sound

BWF Metadata

PixelRecorder embeds the following BWF metadata:

BEXT Chunk

FieldDescription
DescriptionRecording description
Originator”PixelRecorder”
OriginatorReferenceUnique file identifier
OriginationDateRecording date (YYYY-MM-DD)
OriginationTimeRecording time (HH:MM:SS)
TimeReferenceSample count at timecode origin
VersionBWF version (2)
UMIDUnique Material Identifier

iXML Chunk

Extended metadata for NLE compatibility:

FieldDescription
TAPEVirtual tape name
SCENEScene identifier
TAKETake number
CIRCLEDCircled take flag
FILE_UIDUnique file ID
UBITSUser bits from timecode

Audio Sources

System Audio

  • Captures all system sound
  • Requires Screen Recording permission
  • Sample rate matches system output

Microphone Input

  • Any connected audio input
  • Built-in microphone
  • USB microphones
  • Audio interfaces
  • Bluetooth microphones (latency warning)

No Audio

  • Video-only recording
  • Smallest file size
  • Useful for screen-only capture

Latency Considerations

Source TypeTypical Latency
Built-in Mic< 10ms
USB Audio< 15ms
Thunderbolt Audio< 5ms
Bluetooth100-200ms

Note: Bluetooth audio not recommended for sync-critical recording.

Quality Best Practices

  1. Use 48kHz/24-bit: Professional standard
  2. Prefer wired audio: Avoid Bluetooth latency
  3. Monitor levels: Avoid clipping
  4. Test before recording: Verify audio source works