Analog sound waves can be represented graphically by plotting the sound pressure over time. The resulting waveform shows the variations in air pressure that occur when the sound is played. The shape of the waveform determines the timbre, or quality, of the sound.
Analog sound is converted to digital sound by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). An ADC samples the analog sound waveform at a specific rate and converts the samples into a series of digital numbers. The digital numbers are then stored in a digital audio file.
Digital sound files can be played back on a variety of devices, including computers, MP3 players, and CD players. The sound is converted back to analog form by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC reads the digital numbers from the sound file and converts them back into an analog sound waveform. The analog sound waveform is then amplified and played through speakers.