Hardware I/O bit-depth vs. DAW bit-depth

strat65 · 28th October 2005

I record to a DAW through a MOTU 24i. The MOTU manual says that the unit outputs a 24-bit data stream. If this is the case,
would it be better to set my DAW recording software to 24-bit (as
opposed to 16-bit, which I've been using) so the software doesn't have
to take 24-bit data and convert/truncate/dither it?
I record mostly pop and rock acts with very little dynamic range so I thought that I wouldn't use the extra 8-bits (and save hard drive space). But if my MOTU is sending a 24-bit signal to my DAW...
Also, if I do set my DAW to record at 16-bit, what happens to the extra bits, and how does this translate to the actual sound of the signal?

FMNYC · 28th October 2005

i am by no means a pro but i have noticed a difference when tracking at 24-bit.

i work at 24/44.1 and i think it's sonically superior to 16/44.1.

my very humble $0.2.

peace!

FM

FM has been a stranger in a strange land.

strat65 · 30th October 2005

Oops, moving to the "music computers" forum. My apologies...

28th October 2005	#1
strat65 Gear interested Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe, MI Posts: 21 Thread Starter	Hardware I/O bit-depth vs. DAW bit-depth I record to a DAW through a MOTU 24i. The MOTU manual says that the unit outputs a 24-bit data stream. If this is the case, would it be better to set my DAW recording software to 24-bit (as opposed to 16-bit, which I've been using) so the software doesn't have to take 24-bit data and convert/truncate/dither it? I record mostly pop and rock acts with very little dynamic range so I thought that I wouldn't use the extra 8-bits (and save hard drive space). But if my MOTU is sending a 24-bit signal to my DAW... Also, if I do set my DAW to record at 16-bit, what happens to the extra bits, and how does this translate to the actual sound of the signal?

28th October 2005	#2
FMNYC Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 633	i am by no means a pro but i have noticed a difference when tracking at 24-bit. i work at 24/44.1 and i think it's sonically superior to 16/44.1. my very humble $0.2. peace! FM FM has been a stranger in a strange land. __________________ ________________________ http://thenoradsprings.net

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30th October 2005	#3
strat65 Gear interested Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe, MI Posts: 21 Thread Starter	Oops, moving to the "music computers" forum. My apologies...