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

strat65 · 28th October 2005, 08:23 PM

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, 11:01 PM

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, 04:27 PM

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

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can We Talk About Bit Depth?	2586391652	Music computers	10	6th June 2006 11:27 AM
Who matches bit-depth?	strat65	Music computers	90	30th April 2006 01:31 AM
Beyond 24 bit Audio Depth	Unbound	High end	15	5th November 2005 03:45 AM
two questionsabout bit depth in PT	thenewyear	So much gear, so little time!	12	15th January 2004 02:24 AM
A PRACTICAL comparison of bit depth	BrianT	So much gear, so little time!	15	17th April 2003 10:21 AM

28th October 2005, 08:23 PM	#1
strat65 Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe, MI Posts: 21	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, 11:01 PM	#2
FMNYC Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 625	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

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

30th October 2005, 04:27 PM	#3
strat65 Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe, MI Posts: 21	Oops, moving to the "music computers" forum. My apologies...