16-bit vs 24-bit

  • Thread starter Thread starter 240v
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240v

240v

Super Perfectionist
Hey guys,

Just like the title says, is 24-bit that much better than 16-bit? Is the quality different. Thanks
 
Yes, 24 bit is higher quality than 16 bit, but note that to play a disc in most stand-alone CD players, you will need to convert to 16 bit at some point.
 
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Thanks! I might just get a 16-bit interface now and get a 24-but later down the track. Thanks again! :)
 
You know, 24 bit has got a little more air about the sound, a bit more open. However, for years we were mixing to 16 bit DAT tapes and the recordings done back then still sound great, so I would not worry about it too much.

Alan.
 
I just wanted to say that that waveform in your sig looks SERIOUSLY smashed....:)
 
240v said:
Thanks! I might just get a 16-bit interface now and get a 24-but later down the track. Thanks again! :)
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I can't even think of a 16-bit interface... Don't get me wrong -- I have more than one -- But they're from the early 90's...
 
Ahh the whole "Don't use 24bit cuz CD's are 16bit" reasoning.

If you are never going to do anything more than record your stuff at home for fun and burn a few homebrew CD's then it doesn't matter that much.

If you EVER want to do anything more, it will not be enough in these modern times. If you are planning on producing something that is going to have a broad audience and wind up in multiple formats then it will need professional mastering (or at least some sort of pseudo-mastering) and the ME will love for your stereo mixdowns to be in as high a resolution as possible. Even if the final result is only a (16bit) CD. Not to mention that CD's aren't gonna last forever.
 
Like Massive Master, I can't think of any worthwhile interface that can work at 24 bit depth.

I'm not overly concerned with the quality difference in recording done at 16 vs. 24 bit but I think you need to research whether there are any other deficiencies or gotchas in the 16 bit only interface you're considering. I can't think of any interface I'd recommend today that has this limitation (but, hey, I'm old enough to be forgetful and senile!).

THIS Tweakheadz article may give some explanation of the differences and provide some food for thought.
 
It's getting hard to find consumer PC soundcards that can't do 24bit.
 
I think I'll save up and get a nice 24-bit I/O like Fast Track Pro
 
Bobbsy said:
Well, I actually meant "CAN'T" work at 24 bit depth...but the two mean the same thing I guess.

Thanks for pointing it out!
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Double negatives Bobbsy..... I dunno, you ex-Poms... always so down on everything... always look on the bright side of life...:laughings:

*whistles*
 
I always do 24 bit for xtra headroom. Since 16 bits is CD quality though, it doesn't really matter. There are more important things to think about......
 
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