jpetersen
Yes, but if I record a very dynamic performance extremely conservatively to prevent clipping at all costs and then I do gain staging/normalization followed by compression/limiting, it can sound like it's been through a bit crusher effect. the level will be pulled up but the resolution will still be that of the original recorded signal.

16 bits of real resolution is still 96 dB of dynamic range. If you record at -12, then you have 14 bits, so you still have about 84 dB of dynamic range. Play back a sine wave at -84 dB and let me know if you hear anything . Really, don't worry about it. Just record at 24 bits going forward. 

I must say, when recording live shows, 24 bits has saved me numerous times. Like when a performers mic isn't up, but another mic is open and barely capturing the performance.  24 bits can make the difference between not having nearly enough resolution, and having enough to at least make something out of a very low level signal.

Don't worry at all -  16 bit was the norm for a very long time for lots of great albums.  There are so many things that make more difference than those extra bits! 

I agree with 10 foot, for the longest time 16 was considered supreme.
but glad you got it fingered out now.
 

Here's a very interesting study about 16 vs 24 bit. Bottom line: Don't worry, be happy