2 questions

[djclueveli]

when using fl studio, is it better to render at 32 bit float or 16 bit? also when dealing with already processed samples in fl studio such as kicks, snares, strings, etc........is it better to lower the volume of those things all the way down to about -18dbfs since the drum samples itself reaches 0dbfs on the fl meters or does it not matter?

 

[Lenoh]

"Is it better to render at 32 bit float or 16 bit?"

I do not have experience with FL, but "I" generally mix down to 24bits 48k. The general rule seems it is best to render at the highest resolution your computer can handle. I personally think 24 bit 48k is plenty for my computer without getting bogged down.

"Is it better to lower the volume of those things all the way down to about -18dbfs since the drum samples itself reaches 0dbfs on the fl meters or does it not matter?"

I'm not sure what you are asking. If you are talking about exporting string loops or drum loops created in FL i export my loops as hot as possible without clipping, or adding compression,unless thats the sound i was going for. If you are talking about exporting the whole mix, again "MY" own preference is to never exceed -3.0db to allow for mastering.
I hope i helped in some way,if not there are many more well heeled audio technicians who will be happy to assist.

 

[Ethan Winer]

is it better to render at 32 bit float or 16 bit?

Why don't you try it both ways and see if you can tell a difference.

 

[masteringhouse]

While you may not hear a major difference on the initial render, if you plan to process the files further (e.g. mastering) it best to keep them at as high a resolution as possible since quantization distortion and noise can be minimized until you have to go down to 16 bit.

 

[noisewreck]

Tom,

With that in mind, do mastering engineers accept 32bit float/48k files or would you still prefer to get 24 bit files? I always have my project resolution set to 32bit float, so if I render at 24 bit, then I'll have to dither down to 24 bits right? Then you'd have another generation of dither to bring it down to 16bit/44.1k. What are the ramifications of this?

 

[masteringhouse]

Tom,

With that in mind, do mastering engineers accept 32bit float/48k files or would you still prefer to get 24 bit files? I always have my project resolution set to 32bit float, so if I render at 24 bit, then I'll have to dither down to 24 bits right? Then you'd have another generation of dither to bring it down to 16bit/44.1k. What are the ramifications of this?

The effects of dithering from 32 bit to 24 is pretty inaudible given the noise floor of most analog devices (i.e. gets masked out). The general recommendation for dithering from 32 to 24 is to use triangular dither with no noise shaping, though some argue both this and truncation are inaudible. I've read several threads from folks including Nika Aldrich and Dan Lavry which basically the same.

An ME should be able to accept either format, but in the case where someone is using say a Pro Tools HD system, IMHO it's better to create 24 bit files so that no conversion is needed at all and the ME and client can make an apples to apples comaprison to the source audio. There are also many debates on 32 bit audio creating a pumping noise floor. Given that most outboard digital devices are 24 bit over an AES connection, it's probably going to go through at least one of these conversions anyway.

In summary, I wouldn't worry much about it.