Hi,
I just recently realized that since I moved to a new machine (quite high-end) I can only record in 16 bit (both in ASIO in WDM mode). In ASIO mode I cannot select the bit depth. It is grayed out (labeled 24). However, in the info field Sonar shows 16 bit - and it also sounds like it :-( - and the recorded files are indeed 16 bit, so it is not just a matter of the info field.
In WDM mode I first can select 24 bit but then Sonar tells it is not supported and it switches it to 16 bit as suggested by the driver (so says Sonar). It is the same behavior for both my soundcards (Steinberg UR44 and NI Komplete Audio 6). Also, both soundcards do work well in 24 bit in other hosts (Cubase, Audition, even in the good old Project5).
 
I would appreciate any help, but, please, do not recommend to upgrade to Platinum since I will not.
 
Thanks, drjee
 
Sonar version: X3e Producer
OS: Win 8.1 Pro

> In WDM mode I first can select 24 bit but then Sonar tells it is not supported and it switches it to 16 bit as suggested by the driver (so says Sonar). 
 
You imply Sonar is lying. It is not. The driver is not reporting correctly to Sonar. Either it has a problem or it's being interfered with.
If you are using ASIO4ALL remove it and burn it.
If you have other ASIO drivers you are not using disable them (cubase I understand comes with one?).
 
Run Windows update.
Drivers and firmware updates here:


http://www.steinberg.net/index.php?id=downloads_ur44&L=1
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/support/downloads/drivers-other-files/
 
Further issues - you could try deleting AUD.INI in Sonar (google for procedure).
Tick or untick share drivers with other programs in Sonar preferences to see if behaviour changes.
Disable your audio interfaces in Windows - Control Panel - Sounds.
 
> please, do not recommend to upgrade to Platinum since I will not.
 
?
 
Ta.
 
 

I also forgot to say if you have other applications open, close them. My assumption is you are creating a new project.

Don't confuse the driver settings with the project settings. Record Bit Depth in Preferences > File > Audio Data is the project setting.

thanks. Scooks tip in combination with Setting aud,ini to Use24BitExtensible=1 for the Card did the trick.

It is not unusual to have the driver bit depth grayed out when running ASIO. It just means the driver is fixed at that setting.