From 24 to 16

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rochey
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Rochey

Rochey

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okay guys, this may seem like a beginners question, but i'm finally convinced i should go from 16bit to 24.

So, picture the situation, i've recorded all my stuff, mixed, and finalised (well, a bit of compression, and a touch of EQ - beginners stuff) and i've taken the audio back into the computer.

So, i have a 24bit Wav file that needs to go into 16bit (for CD)

So, I don't want to truncate the bits, because that would lead to shitty sound city (i like that --- it's got a roll to it....)

So, I need to dither down (as far as I know)

What software do you guys recommend to do this with, with minimum noise, and sweetest sound?

Thanks again.


d
 
Sound Forge is what I use. Others here like a program called Wavelab
 
I use the Waves L1 to dither. Wavelab is good also.
 
How do you use Waves L1 to dither?

When I set up the dithering function (IDR on the right side) to 16-bit and process, my file is still a 24-bit file after it's processed. It hasn't changed.

Is that the way it's supposed to happen? When I use Sound Forge, it always changes it to a 16-bit file when I dither to 16. Am I just an idiot? :) :) Have I finally just lost my mind?
 
Chessrock - I just truncate the file to 16 bits after applying the Waves L1 dithering algorithm and save.

I assume that this step is necessary because of the nature of the L1. It is a plug-in, rather than a standalone editor. Therefore it wouldn't have the capability to actually change the bit rate of your file. This would have to be done through the host program.
 
Thanks so much for answering that question.

I figured that was the case, but I get so nervous truncating down like that without knowing for sure if it's been properly dithered.

Is there anyting the L1 can't do?

It's a compressor. No, it's a limiter. And a volume maximizer. You can even dither with it.

I'm fully expecting to wake up one morning to find my L1 plugin making me coffee.
 
I know this thread is a little old, but I'm confused about something here...
Is truncating where you change the audio format of the CW file (ie - from 24-bit to 16?)
If so, how come when I use the L1 to quantize to 16-bits and then change the audio format of the CW file to 16-bits, the latter involves signifcant further processing? Shouldn't it be like an immediate thing since the sound file is already 16-bit?
Also, I'm guessing when you change the audio format to previously dithered sound files that further dithering is not necessary?
Thanks.
 
In Sonar, when you choose the option to change audio format (Tools -> Change Audio Format) there is a check box as to whether you want to dither or not.

Obviously, if you have already processed and dithered the file using the L1, you would not want to re-dither. I assume if you deselect the "dither" checkbox, then Sonar just truncates the file - which is what you want to do.

I use Wavelab for this step myself, and in Wavelab the truncating process is instantaneous - as you imagine it should be. Never used this feature in Sonar.

I might try it tonight, to see if I get the same sense of "processing" that you alluded to.
 
Please explain this process

I am fairly new to recording on computer. I am using Digital Performer and thats about it other than a few plug ins. Now, as far as I know, the MOTU 2408 mkII that I have is 24 bit. So....when and why would dithering be an issue. Do I have do do this while I mix down to a two track CD burner. Or, do I mix internally and do the dither internally just to have a file that can then be transferred over to CD. And, once I know where and when, does anybody know how?
 
Waitaminute.........

Dachay2tn and company,
What am I missing here? If I want to create a stereo wave file in Sonar to burn on a CD, I select the tracks and click on Export Audio. The dialogue box prompts me for options and I select 16 bit stereo wav. Done, right?
It seems from this discussion that I'm missing some steps. What should I be doing differently? Also, is the L1 part of the Native Gold Bundle? What versions of Sound Forge support 24 bit?:confused:
 
ChuckU -

You have to have the "apply dither" checkbox checked in Options -> Audio -> Advanced, otherwise I believe Sonar will simply truncate the file to 16 bits when you export your audio.

However, assuming you have this checked off, then essentially you have it correct - assuming you are happy with Sonar's dithering algorithm, and you do not wish to do any additional processing to the file.

In my case, I normally bring the exported Sonar .wav file into Wavelab to do some additional processing (e.g., remove DC offset, add fades, trim start and end times, compress and/or volume maximize, etc). Therefore I want to keep the "exported" Sonar file at 24 bits - so your method won't work for me.

You should only drop your .wav file to 16 bits as the last step before burning to CD. In your particular case, if exporting from Sonar is the last step before burning the CD, then your approach is fine.
 
Similar to what Dach said, I do all my mixing & effects in Cakewalk, then export a 24 bit stereo file. I then load it into Sound Forge. I preview it here and sometimes make a few final enhancements (i.e. "mastering") so I want it to remain 24 bit at this point. Then when I have it EXACTLY how I want it I export it to a 16 bit file and burn to CDR.
 
Ahhhhhhh.......

Well, I haven't recorded at 24 bit yet, so maybe there has not yet been a need for me to follow these finalizing steps. I have to admit I didn't even know they were neccessary (although it does make sense). Thanks for the info. I think my version of Sound Forge (4.5) does only 16 bit. Could that be true?

I do look forward to 24bit recording once I get rolling with my Delta 1010. I gave that and my new HD a workout last night. Eight simultaneous ins at 16bit. The disk meter was at 3%, so I guess 8-10 ins at 24bit should be ok. Can't wait!:cool:
 
Time to revisit this thread....

chessrock said:

Is there anyting the L1 can't do?

It's a compressor. No, it's a limiter. And a volume maximizer. You can even dither with it.

I'm fully expecting to wake up one morning to find my L1 plugin making me coffee.
Click to expand...

WOW!!
I used the Waves L1 for the first time last night in Sound Forge after mixing down in Sonar.

WOW!!
This thing put a gloss and finished sound to my mix that I have never gotten before. This is my best sounding mix so far. I'm glad I found this thread.

No coffee yet :)
 
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