What would you expect from an audio recording at a bit rate of 32 kbps?

An audio recording at a bit rate of 32 kbps is typically suited for spoken audio such as podcasts, audiobooks, or voiceovers. This lower bit rate limits the audio quality, making it less ideal for music, where higher fidelity is generally expected due to the complexity and range of sound. Spoken audio often requires less bandwidth, as the frequency range of human speech is narrower than that of music, allowing for effective communication even at lower bit rates.

Higher-quality music and professional studio recordings generally demand higher bit rates to capture the nuances and details of sound adequately. Similarly, high fidelity surround sound typically requires even greater bit rates to ensure a rich and immersive listening experience. Therefore, a bit rate of 32 kbps is most appropriate for typical spoken audio, as it balances file size and sound clarity without the need for the high fidelity that music and studio recordings require.