32-bit (float) versus 16bit->32bit

[reese]

32-bit (float) versus 16bit->32bit

I am using cool edit pro to record some audio tapes in from the line-in. From what I have heard its always good to record in at 16 bit(the highest my card seems to support) sound blaster card and convert the file up to 32 bits , remove hiss, normalize and then convert back down to 16 bits.

Well my question is that cool edit pro also gives me the option to record at 32-bit (float) on the initial recording part. Is it better to record it at 16 bit then convert to 32 or better to use this 32-bit float option?

Thanks!

[resistor man]

Well, I believe the less steps in doing anything, the better, so I always record at 32 bit. Saves time, too.

[reese]

So what exaclty is cool edit doing if my sound card can only do 16 bit? Is it just doing the 16bit to 32bit but on the fly?

[Sonic Valley]

Staying at a higher resolution as much as possible is always best. The more digital audio is processed the more it degrades. Keeping it at 32bit provides greater dynamic range and higher signal to noise among a few of the advantages. Keep a high resolution for tracking and mixing then dither down at the last step.

[resistor man]

Originally posted by reese:
So what exaclty is cool edit doing if my sound card can only do 16 bit? Is it just doing the 16bit to 32bit but on the fly?

I believe CEP is actually recording @ 32 bit, but your card is only filling up the first 16. Search the boards if you wanna know what the advantages are in processing at higher bit depths.

[This message has been edited by resistor man (edited 09-23-2001).]