What two factors significantly affect audio quality during recording?

The correct choice highlights two fundamental aspects of digital audio recording: sample rate and bit depth. Sample rate refers to how many times per second an audio signal is sampled during recording, which directly impacts the frequency response and clarity of the sound. A higher sample rate captures more detail in the audio, allowing for a more accurate representation of the original sound wave.

Bit depth, on the other hand, determines the dynamic range and the volume levels of the recorded audio. A higher bit depth allows for a more precise representation of the audio signal, reducing noise and distortion, and enabling softer sounds to be captured more clearly. Together, these factors create a robust framework for achieving high-quality recordings, as they influence both the fidelity and the overall dynamic range of the audio.

While other choices focus on elements that can influence the overall audio production process, such as the arrangement and effects applied later in mixing, sample rate and bit depth are the core technical specifications directly tied to the recording itself. This makes them critical in ensuring high audio quality at the initial recording phase.