dither

[grinder]

I'm running the optical output on my multi track into an outboard processor.The multi track output is 20 bit.Should I have the dither on the efx unit set to 20 bit or turned off?Could someone please direct me to an article explaining dither?
Thanks, Grinder

P.S. The processor is 24 bit.

 

[masteringhouse]

I'm running the optical output on my multi track into an outboard processor.The multi track output is 20 bit.Should I have the dither on the efx unit set to 20 bit or turned off?Could someone please direct me to an article explaining dither?
Thanks, Grinder

P.S. The processor is 24 bit.

Usually dithering should be done when going from a larger wordlength to smaller as in 24 bit to 16 bit, or when processing internally at a higher wordlength and going from one 24 bit device to another.

So yes, keep the processing as 24 bit, but dither the output back to the multi-track at 20 bit. Optimally you should be using a 24 bit multi-track, and dither at 24 bit if the processor allowed it.

See the following for a good article on dither:

http://www.digido.com/index/pmodule_id=11/pmdmode=fullscreen/pageadder_page_id=27/

 

[grinder]

Thanks, I'm starting to see the light.

 

[lost studios]

I've read that article... it's a good read.