are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell?

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
matrix
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 12
  • Joined: 2010/07/02 15:49:08
  • Status: offline
2011/05/25 04:44:52 (permalink)

are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell?

How can I tell if my samples are 16 bit, 24 bit, or 32 bit? anybody? also is there a easy to use program that I can use to convert many samples at  a time to 16 bit, 24 bit or 32 bit? Thanks
#1

6 Replies Related Threads
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 07:46:46 (permalink)
    When you export to a wave and you plan to burn to a CD, I believe it has to be 16 bit.  BUT.... you can go into the audio settings for recording and set the defaults to 24 bits. It is better to record at 24 since that allows some extra headroom.

    Can many people hear the difference..... probably not. But the practice is to record at 24 and upon export from CAKEWALK, select the 16/44.1 setting for the wave /CD.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #2
    Frank Haas
    Max Output Level: -50.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2490
    • Joined: 2005/01/14 06:32:54
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 08:24:01 (permalink)
    right click the wav-file, go to properties - fileinfo - ...

    there are probably a lot of converters that do what you ask for(google) but if its not for compatibility reasons then there's no benefit in converting them.
    adding some zeros to a 16bit file doesn't make it sound better.. 
    #3
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 08:37:44 (permalink)
    if you have a 16 bit file and you convert it to 24.... you're not gaining a thing in the process. Any time you convert something gets lost.

    going up, going down... you either have to drop data or insert non-existent data to make it work. IMHO, it's best not to convert needlessly.

    The one exception is to record in 24 and export to 16 for a CD compatible wave.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #4
    bitflipper
    01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
    • Total Posts : 26036
    • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
    • Location: Everett, WA USA
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 09:37:13 (permalink)
    How can I tell if my samples are 16 bit, 24 bit, or 32 bit? anybody?

    also is there a easy to use program that I can use to convert many samples at a time to 16 bit, 24 bit or 32 bit?


    If the samples are wave files, Windows Explorer itself can tell you. But there isn't any point in checking except to satisfy your own curiosity, and even less benefit in converting them. It simply doesn't make any difference. You cannot hear the difference between properly recorded 16- and 24-bit libraries, and every sample you record gets converted to a 32-bit float anyhow.


    All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

    My Stuff
    #5
    matrix
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12
    • Joined: 2010/07/02 15:49:08
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 17:48:06 (permalink)
    thanks guys I appreciate it
    #6
    matrix
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12
    • Joined: 2010/07/02 15:49:08
    • Status: offline
    Re:are my samples 16 bit, 32 bit, 24 bit? how can I tell? 2011/05/25 19:35:46 (permalink)
    for anybody who has this same question i found this very helpful info

    Stereo:
    705 kbps = 8Bit wav
    1411 kbps = 16Bit wav
    2116 kbps = 24Bit wav
    2822 kbps = 32Bit wav
    Mono:
    352 kbps = 8Bit wav
    705 kbps = 16Bit wav
    1058 kbps = 24Bit wav
    1411 kbps = 32Bit wav
    #7
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1