Which of the following is a standard sample rate for digital audio?

The selection of 44.1 kHz as a standard sample rate for digital audio is rooted in its widespread adoption in the music industry. This sample rate originated with the compact disc format, providing a good balance between audio fidelity and file size. At 44.1 kHz, the audio can accurately reproduce frequencies up to about 22 kHz, which is just above the upper limit of human hearing (typically around 20 kHz). This ensures that most audio content remains within a range that listeners can perceive, making it ideal for music and many audio applications.

In comparison, while other sample rates like 32 kHz are used in certain applications, they do not meet the same quality threshold for music production as 44.1 kHz. Rates such as 64 kHz and 128 kHz are often used in professional recording or certain specialized applications but are not considered standard across the general production of music available to consumers, therefore making 44.1 kHz the prevalent choice for digital audio.