OK, I saw something about this topic a few weeks ago but I'm not sure if it answers my question ... and I couldn't find the thread.
 
I see that the DAW has the project set for a bit depth of 16 in the control bar, however, when I look at the driver settings it's set for 24 AND it's greyed out...can't access.
 
Questions:
Why is it set to 16?
How do I change it?
Should I change it?
Why is it greyed out in driver settings?
 
I also found this SONAR note on the subject:
 
Note: If you are planning to move your project to a Digital Audio Tape (DAT) or to some other
media via a digital transfer, set your sampling rate and bit depth to match the target unit. For
example, use 44,100Hz/16-bit for a project that will be mastered to a CD, so that no sample rate
conversion is required.

The transport module shows the Record Bit Depth. Info about the setting here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=Dialogs2.063.html
 
The driver bit depth in Preferences is greyed out because the value is hard coded in the driver.

scook
The transport module shows the Record Bit Depth. Info about the setting here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=Dialogs2.063.html
 
The driver bit depth in Preferences is greyed out because the value is hard coded in the driver.

OK, I get that it's hard coded in the driver but the driver is set to 24 and the transport module has it at 16?

amiller

scook
The transport module shows the Record Bit Depth. Info about the setting here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=Dialogs2.063.html
 
The driver bit depth in Preferences is greyed out because the value is hard coded in the driver.

OK, I get that it's hard coded in the driver but the driver is set to 24 and the transport module has it at 16?

Hi. you need to take another look at the link scook provided. the transport says 16 because it is the record bit depth which you defined (or left at 16 in case you never changed that). you should set that to whatever your audio interface uses (usually 24). no need/benefit from setting it any higher, but if you keep it at 16 you compromise audio quality of your recordings

Rob[atSound-Rehab]

amiller

scook
The transport module shows the Record Bit Depth. Info about the setting here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=Dialogs2.063.html
 
The driver bit depth in Preferences is greyed out because the value is hard coded in the driver.

OK, I get that it's hard coded in the driver but the driver is set to 24 and the transport module has it at 16?

Hi. you need to take another look at the link scook provided. the transport says 16 because it is the record bit depth which you defined (or left at 16 in case you never changed that). you should set that to whatever your audio interface uses (usually 24). no need/benefit from setting it any higher, but if you keep it at 16 you compromise audio quality of your recordings

OK...got that.  But if I'm going to burn my songs to CD (16 bit) does it make any difference to record stuff at 24 bit?

Simple answer; YES.
This has been discussed for years.
Set Sonar to 24 and don't fret over it.
Like this

Record at 44.1 or 48 or higher if you like.
Export at 44.1k, 16 bit (dither, doesn't matter which dither you use) the CD master.
That's all we need to know for now, smarter guys than me (us) have explained it time and time again...
T

amiller
OK...got that.  But if I'm going to burn my songs to CD (16 bit) does it make any difference to record stuff at 24 bit?

why yes, yes it does.
read this for some pros and cons. the pros out weigh the cons. I always use 24 bit in my projects. not matter what.
sample rate, well that's a different story we wont get in to. your question was about bit depth. IMO, use it in all projects.
https://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR%20X3&language=3&help=AudioPerformance.22.html
 
Dither it down to 16 bit using POW-r 2 or POW-r 3 in your export settings.
https://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR%20X2&language=3&help=Mixing.61.html
 

amiller
OK...got that.  But if I'm going to burn my songs to CD (16 bit) does it make any difference to record stuff at 24 bit?

DeeringAmps
Simple answer; YES.
This has been discussed for years.
Set Sonar to 24 and don't fret over it.
 
Record at 44.1 or 48 or higher if you like.
Export at 44.1k, 16 bit (dither, doesn't matter which dither you use) the CD master.
That's all we need to know for now, smarter guys than me (us) have explained it time and time again...
T

there are entire books written on the subject. while the simple practical approach is given above, it's still good to know more about the subject ... but that either means going through endless forum threads or buying one of the books from the pros like Bob Katz & Co

It makes my brain hurt, I'm just happy to know what to do.
Kinda like the intro to all books on valves, bunch of theory you don't need to make them (the valves) work.
Had the same problem as an Anthro major in college. I didn't "need" to know geology, I just need a Geologist to tell me the age of the strata we were working; simples!
T