Quote:
Originally Posted by 3dchris  |
I'm very familiar with that paper, and I think it shows why this whole fader loss thing is a myth. Here's a quote from the paper:
<Similar to analog mixers, the Pro Tools mixer is comprised of
individual input channels and a summing stage. At the input
stage, each channel’s 24-bit word is multiplied by 24-bit gain
and pan coefficients to create a 48-bit result. The new 48-bit
word contains the original 24 bits “shifted” lower in the 56-bit
register to allow for headroom and “footroom” below unity
gain, enabling channels to be turned down without losing
precision. Specifically, it’s possible to pull any channel fader
down to -90 dB and its signal still retains 24 bits of precision.
As channel faders are pulled down, there is a loss to the lower
bits of the newly extended 48-bit word which represent signals
down to about -240 dB—but a full 24 bits of precision is main-
tained down to -90 dB. >
In other words, your full 24 bit resolution is maintained as you lower the fader. It just sounds softer. There is no loss of resolution, or signal degradation. I don't understand your comment about "switching to master faders". Master faders are already always in place in Protools, and when you turn one on or "create" one you are simply revealing a piece of the architecture that is already there.
If someone likes analog faders better it's probably because they like the increased noise-to-signal ratio as the fader comes down. I mean, why dick around with little dabs of dither.
-R