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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on January 16, 2011 at 1:54pm

To my understanding, the main bit depth that uses floating point is 32bit and it is really not 32 bit recording. 8 extra bits are added AFTER recording to allow for increased headroom (gain). It doesn't necessarily make audio sound better, it just gives it more room to breathe - so to speak. Non-floating point bit depths would be the standard rates of 8, 16 & 24. When you get into 32 and 64 it becomes floating point - having to do with how the math is calculated.

 

Most plug-ins use 32 bit floating point because they need the extra bits to process changes in gain.

 

BIG DISCLAIMER - This stuff is all technical theory and has nothing to do with using your ears. If you can hear the difference between 16/44.1 and 24/96 then by all means use 24bit if you have it. You can also make more dynamic recordings and use less compression if you use 24bit as opposed to 16bit, but that is not always necessary in all styles of music. There are plenty of absolutely stunning 16bit/44.1K projects out there. Its like if one mic sounds better on a source than another - use it.  Doesn't really matter which one is "technically" superior. I care more about how the overall project sounds from a musical and balance standpoint than I do about the technical details of how I got there. Make sure you follow good recording technique /principles and and concentrate on the music. That's what really counts anyway. It doesn't matter how much technical knowledge you have if your mixes don't sound balanced or there are physical problems in your recordings.

 

Young engineers would fare far better to use higher quality analog components such as quality preamps and mics than to merely be deceived that increased bit depth and sample rates will somehow make recordings sound better. They might make a difference in the end result if you are using the absolute best mics and preamps but it won't change the sound at all of semi-pro gear. However, quality gear does not always mean high priced - use your ears!

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Permalink Reply by Alexzandra Geyerman on January 17, 2011 at 8:43am

Thanks Bret! You rock!

 

Recommend higher quality analog gear that is not so expensive?

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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on January 17, 2011 at 9:57am

Yes I can,

 

Joe Meek 3Q modules - Preamp - EQ - Compressor - less than $400 - I got a pair brand new for $480.

 

These are very basic units but sound absolutely great for the money.

 

Massey Plug-ins Some of the best sounding and most affordable ProTools plugs

 

Presonus Studio One DAW. Pro version is around $400 but packs tons of user friendly features, plug-ins and virtual instruments. It's also fully 64bit in and out if you run it under the right OS.

 

Alexzandra Geyerman said:

Thanks Bret! You rock!

 

Recommend higher quality analog gear that is not so expensive?

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Permalink Reply by Kirk Thompson Producer/engineer on August 6, 2012 at 10:26am

Bret, I have some of the older version of these.  When I first got them I was so impressed and I might be again if I will use them.  Do you know what differences there are between the new ones as opposed to the ones I have??

Kirk

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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on August 7, 2012 at 7:40am

Kirk,

I am not sure if there is much difference at all between older and newer versions. My guess would be the design is the same but they could be using upgraded parts. That would be a question for a sales rep or directly to JoMeek. 

Bret

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Permalink Reply by Pete Warren on February 6, 2013 at 4:15pm

I couldn't agree more with what you said here, Bret.

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