Guys, is there a particualr advisable methodology WRT bit depth conversion when going from mix to master to CD?
 
I'm running projects at 44.1/24 bit.  Should I be mixing out to 24 bit or instead to 32 bit (which seems to be the default selection every time I go to export)?  And then master to what...32 or 24 bit before final step of 16-bit conversion for CD ?   Or should I just master to 16 bit directly for CD?
 
Lots of possible options, just wondering if there's some advisable bit depth conversion methodology I should adhere to for best sound quality....
 
Sonic

I always stay in 64bit floating point, especially 64bit rendering in Cakewalk, until the final step - dithering down to the target product formats, such as CD publishing.
 
This is how I've done in full 64bit production: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60O_RUbmtOI

SonicExplorer
Guys, is there a particualr advisable methodology WRT bit depth conversion when going from mix to master to CD?
 
I'm running projects at 44.1/24 bit.  Should I be mixing out to 24 bit or instead to 32 bit (which seems to be the default selection every time I go to export)?  And then master to what...32 or 24 bit before final step of 16-bit conversion for CD ?   Or should I just master to 16 bit directly for CD?
 
Lots of possible options, just wondering if there's some advisable bit depth conversion methodology I should adhere to for best sound quality....
 
Sonic

If you are mixing in 24, stay in 24. Only change bit depth (w/dithering) when you get ready to burn CD or when you create your final master stereo file.
Main point being, stay in original bit depth all the way to the final output.

16bit/44.1Khz is the Redbook CD audio spec.  
 

44.1/24 bits for recording and mixing.  The 32 bit export ain't for 32 bit file but is an upsampling process internal fx - if you are using the 64 bit engine just leave that it as is.  You want to "work" on the highest resolution file (and keep that file if you need to go back to make more changes).  I put my 24 bit Mix Master back into the SONAR project. 
 
Then I pull the 44.1/24 bit MIX Master file into Sound Forge and do whatever work needs be done (top and tail, limiting, etc.), then export it as final MASTERED 16 bit file.  Then back to the 24 bit to export it again as an MP3.

I have always exported for CD @ 44.1/16 bit.
 

I work 32 bit floating internally, I then export 24bit 44.1khz then use CD Architect to Dither to 16bit 44.1kHz when cutting.

44.1KHz/16 bit is the de facto standard for CD
 
When you do your final export to 16 bit, you MUST select a suitable dither algorithm. Only dither once.

Thanks for the replies guys.
 
So...sounds like the 32-bit default setting when exporting is attributed to the fact I'm running with the 64-bit mix engine enabled?   I usually select 24 bit when exporting.  Or should I keep it 32 bit and wait until I master to drop it to 24 bit?
 

Wookiee
I work 32 bit floating internally, I then export 24bit 44.1khz then use CD Architect to Dither to 16bit 44.1kHz when cutting. 

 
This sounds like what I'm doing....most likely a result after I researched this extensively many years ago, but I can't recall.   Here's my process:
I have the 64-bit mix engine enabled, mix to 24-bit (no dither).  Then master with dither to 24 bit.  Then if I need to go to CD I use the highest quality conversion algorithm in R8Brain to convert to 16 bit.   And if I need to go MP3 I use the 24 bit mastered file.   

Does this methodology seem correct?  Please let me know if I have any flaws in there....

Sonic

SONAR/CbB (in fact, any DAW) has to drop to 24-bit to get out your audio interface and everything associated with that is automatic. The internal word length is for computational accuracy. You do not need to dither to export a pre-master, 24-bit track.

As mentioned above, the only dither is when going to final 16-bit, CD print.