ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhen field recording, is it best to use 16bit or 24bit?
8 years, 9 months ago - Adam Woollactt
I was wondering which bit rate 16 or 24bit would be best suited for field recording e.g. ambient sounds, nature sounds.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
Adam
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8 years, 9 months ago - Sam Seal
It doesn't matter.
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Sam Seal SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Technically 24 bit would give you more latitude, but whether your mic and amp circuitry are discerning enough for that to make a difference is questionable. No harm in doing everything 24-bit aside from larger files.
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Philip Quinton
24 bit minimum
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Philip Quinton SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Philip Quinton
24 bit will give you more headroom for greater dynamic range and unexpected peaks. If you're recording natural sounds you want to avoid hitting the limiters on your recorder.
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Philip Quinton SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Terry Grew
In addition, as a rule of thumb, (without getting too technical) simply multiply your bit depth by 6 and that will give you an approximation of the dynamic range (or signal to noise ratio).
16 bit = 96dB
24 bit = 144dB
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Terry Grew SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Adam Woollactt
Thats great, thanks all for your help! Much Appreciated!
Adam
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Adam Woollactt SHOW