Audio formats, bit depths and sample rates
EP-PatchStudio supports flexible audio export with multiple sample rates and bit depths in both the Batch Processor and Sample Editor. Lower bit depths (8/10/12-bit) create vintage lofi character whilst maintaining device compatibility.
These export options apply when processing audio in the Batch Processor or exporting from the Sample Editor.
EP-PatchStudio supports four sample rates for batch processing:
| Sample Rate | Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 11,025 Hz | Extreme lofi, retro games | Quarter of CD quality, very small files |
| 22,254 Hz | EP-40 Riddim native | Optimal for device, half of CD quality |
| 44,100 Hz | CD quality | Standard for music production |
| 48,000 Hz | Professional audio | Studio standard, slightly higher quality |
Recommendation
Use 22,254 Hz for EP-40 Riddim (native sample rate, optimal file size).
EP-PatchStudio supports five bit depth options with different sonic characteristics:
The EP-40 Riddim only supports 16-bit and 24-bit WAV files natively. To achieve 8-bit, 10-bit, or 12-bit lofi sound:
Result
A 16-bit WAV file that sounds like 8/10/12-bit audio.
The quantisation permanently degrades the audio quality in a musical way, creating the classic sampler sound.
Sample rates and bit depths affect file size:
1 second of mono audio:
Stereo doubles the file size.
| Parameter | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max sample duration | 40 seconds | Longer samples require splitting or pitch-up |
| Supported bit depths | 16-bit, 24-bit | Lower depths upconverted to 16-bit |
| Supported sample rates | Up to 48 kHz | Preserves source rate if within range |
| Channels | Mono or Stereo | Stereo doubles file size |
Best for:
Sound: Very audible stair-stepping, harsh quantisation noise, digital crunch.
Best for:
Sound: Warm analogue-style grit, subtle crunch, slightly softer than 8-bit.
Historical note: E-mu SP-12 (1985) was the first affordable drum sampler with 10-bit converters.
Best for:
Sound: Subtle warmth, slight grit on transients, classic sampler character without harshness.
Historical note: SP-1200 (1987) and MPC60 (1988) defined hip-hop's sound with 12-bit converters.
Best for:
Sound: Clean, no artifacts, CD quality.
Best for:
Sound: Pristine, very low noise floor, professional studio quality.
File size: 50% larger than 16-bit.
Settings:
Output:
Settings:
Output:
Settings:
Output:
Q: Why do 8/10/12-bit files export as 16-bit?
A: The EP-40 Riddim only supports 16-bit and 24-bit WAV files. Lower bit depths are quantised first (creating the lofi sound), then saved in a 16-bit container. The vintage character is permanently "baked in."
Q: Will 8-bit files sound lofi on the device?
A: Yes! The quantisation creates the lofi sound in the audio data itself. The device plays back the degraded signal perfectly.
Q: What's the difference between 10-bit and 12-bit?
A: 10-bit (1,024 levels) is grittier with more audible quantisation noise - E-mu SP-12 character. 12-bit (4,096 levels) is subtler and warmer - SP-1200/MPC60 character.
Q: Should I use 24-bit for everything?
A: Only if you need maximum dynamic range for post-processing. For final samples, 16-bit is sufficient and saves file space (especially on device with limited storage).
Q: Can I combine lofi bit depth with high sample rate?
A: Yes! You can have 12-bit at 48kHz for example. Bit depth affects dynamic range/noise floor, sample rate affects frequency response.
| Genre | Sample Rate | Bit Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Age Hip-Hop | 22,254 Hz | 12-bit | Classic SP-1200 sound |
| Lofi Hip-Hop | 22,254 Hz | 10-bit or 12-bit | Warm vintage character |
| Modern Hip-Hop | 44,100 Hz | 16-bit | Clean and professional |
| House/Techno | 44,100 Hz | 16-bit | Standard for electronic music |
| Chiptune/8-bit | 11,025 Hz | 8-bit | Authentic retro sound |
| Studio/Mastering | 48,000 Hz | 24-bit | Maximum quality |
Process multiple samples at once with these export options
View Batch Processor Docs →Process samples with vintage character or pristine quality. Free trial available with full features.