Recording in 32 bit with CEP

[Chris R]

I have somehow managed in recent times, since my computer upgrade back a few months ago, to be able to record in 32 bit (float) with Cool Edit Pro v 1.2. The thing is, I have a 16 bit sound card. Some Sound Blaster piece 'o' crap.

Question is, what exactly am I getting other than a very large file?

The reason I ask is that another forum member mentioned to me recently that you end up with a 14 bit or so file, if you record a vinyl LP in 16 bit and then peform any edits, declicking etc.

So even if the 32 bit file isn't actually a 32 bit recording is it better to record at this bit rate? When I then later convert back to 16 bit with dither, will I actually have a 16 bit file?

Thanks.

p.s. I'm still in the process of upgrading that sound card. I have an order in as of a few days ago, to get an M-Audio 7.1 Revolution 24 bit sound card at Long & McQuade (http://www.long-mcquade.com/). They've never carried it. They might consider doing so now after reading the specs on it.

[Grant]

Mike,

Bumping a 16-bit file up to 32-bit, or recording at 32-bit is still a better way to go because then you don't lose resolution of your 16-bit recording when processing. When you dither back to 16-bit, you will indeed have a full 16-bit resolution as long as you do nothing more to it. Dither/noise shaping should be the LAST thing you do to your file. You could make a few simple edits to your 16-bit file without any perceptible sound quality loss.

[Graham Start]

What Grant said. Recording in 32-bit with your current soundcard will only give you the benefit of not having to convert from 16 and back if you're doing processing. For straight needle drops, just use 16.

[Grant]

Every once in a while I will do an LP to CD project in 16-bit, fully aware that the sound will be slightly veiled. Sometimes I want that for overtly bright LPs.

[JonUrban]

Is there an advantage to record in 24 bit (with a 24 bit soundcard) if you are just going to burn to CD? I always assumed that there was.......

[Grant]

Sure!

[JonUrban]

Thanks Grant, I thought so, but stranger things have gotten me in the past! :D

[mne563]

Originally posted by oblio98
Is there an advantage to record in 24 bit (with a 24 bit soundcard) if you are just going to burn to CD? I always assumed that there was.......

What abouth the old wives' tale that says 32-bit converts to 16-bit better than 24 to 16?

FYI, I have a 24-bit card, but I always use 32-bit float for processing, etc. I'm pleased with the result, but I've never tried straight 24 bit.

[JonUrban]

I just leave mine at 24 bit, and do not convert them back to 16 bit. The files are bigger, but they sound fine to me!

[JoelDF]

Originally posted by oblio98
I just leave mine at 24 bit, and do not convert them back to 16 bit. The files are bigger, but they sound fine to me!
But, don't you have to convert back to 16 bit when burning the CD-r anyway? Since audio CD is 16 bit, only 16 bit, and no other bit?

Or, are you playing it back only from your computer?

Joel

[JonUrban]

Originally posted by JoelDF

But, don't you have to convert back to 16 bit when burning the CD-r anyway? Since audio CD is 16 bit, only 16 bit, and no other bit?

Or, are you playing it back only from your computer?

Joel

No, I just burn them and play them in the car, or if it is a Quad 8 to DTS conversion, then in my audio system.

As far as CDs being 16 bit only, what about those advertised as 20bit masters? What are those?

[JoelDF]

Originally posted by oblio98
As far as CDs being 16 bit only, what about those advertised as 20bit masters? What are those?
Dithered back down to 16 bit, which is why the question has always been - "why bother?" Except for those HDCD's that has the extra 4 bits encoded somewhere that only HDCD players can extract.

Joel

[JonUrban]

So, if I record a wav file from an anolog tape, like a pre recorded reel, at 24 bit, then clean up the wav file and save it as a 24 bit file, then use CD architect to create an audio CD to play in the car, the burning process dithers it back down to 16 bit?

Bummer.....................

[Grant]

Originally posted by oblio98
I just leave mine at 24 bit, and do not convert them back to 16 bit. The files are bigger, but they sound fine to me!

I suppose you can play 24-bit on a DVD player, but not a CD player. But, then, you are into surround anyway...

[Grant]

Originally posted by oblio98


No, I just burn them and play them in the car, or if it is a Quad 8 to DTS conversion, then in my audio system.

As far as CDs being 16 bit only, what about those advertised as 20bit masters? What are those?

Yup, those are converted to 16-bit too.

Oblio, if you burn your musuic to CD-R, you are going down to 16-bit. Your burning software must be converting them on the fly.

[Grant]

Originally posted by oblio98
So, if I record a wav file from an anolog tape, like a pre recorded reel, at 24 bit, then clean up the wav file and save it as a 24 bit file, then use CD architect to create an audio CD to play in the car, the burning process dithers it back down to 16 bit?

Bummer.....................

Yup, that's EXACTLY what is happening. All this time you thought you were listening to 24-bit on CD-R, eh?

[JonUrban]

Originally posted by Grant


Yup, that's EXACTLY what is happening. All this time you thought you were listening to 24-bit on CD-R, eh?

Yeah - clueless, I guess. :D:sigh: