Mix & Master Files - Bit Depth

[sven hauck]

Same question as before, but instead of compression, what bit depth (16, 24, 32) would you recommend for the source files for mixing or mastering projects?

Thanks,
Sven

[admin]

Good question.

Internal softsynths are generally operating at 32bit float. Technically
to preserve them as close as possible you would have to bounce at 32bit float. That being said it's a waste of disk space and bandwidth with no signifigant return on the extra effort. You can be safe and bounce to 24 bit but even 16 will give fine results except in rare occasions.

Recorded sources from an A/D conversion will either be 16 or 24. Here your recording practice comes into play. 16 bit again is fine but 24 bit affords you some leeway in your recording level. It's better to not overload converters and operate close to 0dbVU. 24bit lets you do this and still easily stay above the noise floor inherent in the conversion process.

So I'd say 16bit is going to be fine but for peace of mind people can do 24bit as it takes all the worry out of the setting of levels.

I will be probably doing a free introduction video on bit depth and how it applies to signal quality to further explain the ramifications of bit depth selection and dispell some myths along the way.

Hope this helps,
Jesse

[sven hauck]

Cool, I look forward to the video. In the meantime it will be 24 bit for me.

Thanks.