Hey Folks--
 
I started using the 64-bit version of Sonar 8.3 and when I mixdown or export audio, the file says the bit-depth is 64-bits. My audio card only goes to 24-bits, so how does that work? I have to dither it to 32 or 24 just for my mastering program to be able to open the file, but I just can't get my head around how I can be creating 64-bit audio when my sound card only goes to 24?
 
 
Thanks,

You can change the render to 32bit or 24bit to eliminate the need to dither on export. Render and record bit depth are independently set. There is a discussion go on here you might find interesting http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2785255
BTW none if this has anything to do with whether you are running 32 or 64bit SONAR or 32 or 64bit Windows. The question of record and render depth is the same.

are you talking about this

From the manual:
" 64-bit Engine. If you don’t usually run SONAR in 64-bit mode in order to save CPU, you can turn 64-bit mode on when you export audio by enabling this check box. Remember to turn it off after you export your audio, if you don’t want to use it during tracking or mixing."

I guess I should clarify my question. I can change the bit depth, but I just don't understand how I am able to create a 64-bit audio file when my sound card only goes to 24 bits?

Keep in mind that when you are talking about 24bit that is a 24bit integer value. And when you are talking about 32 or 64bit that is a floating point value. Does that help?

Hello all, new poster here wanted to comment. As I understand it: The soundcard will only record up to a 24 bit file. (depending on the soundcard and settings) Bounces in sonar can create up to 64 bit files. (depending on record rendering options set in sonar audio options) These files can not be played back by the soundcard without truncating off bits or dithering.  Playback of these files is handled by sonar and is set  by the playback rendering options in sonar until the file is permanately dithered down to a bit depth the sound card can play back.

I think I understand. To use my own terms, the internal rendering can be at 64 bits, but recording and playback is not at 64.

It's my soundcard that can't play at 64 bits, so Wavelab can't play it. Did I break that down accurately?

Yup!

Razor, you're right: all audio data ultimately ends up being 16- or 24-bit integer data. Even if you play it back using software that supports 32- or 64-bit floating-point files, it will have to convert it before sending to the audio interface. The only reason you'd export floating-point data is if you plan to subsequently import it into another DAW or audio editor for further processing.

IMO there is absolutely no reason to ever create 64-bit audio files, unless you're sending them off to someone who has specifically asked for 64-bit files.

What Bit said. Just to add, the only reason you have an issue is that the version of Wavelab you are using is too old to support 64bit audio. Change your render bit depth to 32bit in SONAR and be done with it.