can i convert 16bit file to 24 bit

[subbots]

i realized some of my recent projects were recorded in 16 bit. I have the options of converting all the files to 24bit, or record them all over again in 24 bit. Obviously, converting is less work for me. But does it make sense to convert a 16bit file up to 24 bit? how does it affect the sound(vs. recording in 24bit)?

Thanks!!!

[goose]

You'll just be adding 8 empty bits to the end of the digital word and you'll have 24 bit files with only 16 bits of real resolution. They won't sound any worse, but they also won't sound any better.

[@?,*???&?]

Yes, but you'll never capture any of the missing 49 db of missing dynamic range through additional bits on the existing tracks, however every subsequent overdub will.

[cgarges]

They won't sound any worse, but they also won't sound any better.

Yep.

If you're adding other stuff to them, MAYBE it'd be worth the effort to have any of the added stuff recorded at 24-bit, but otherwise, not really. You'd just be making the file size larger.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[chris harris]

why do they have to be 24 bit? do they sound ok? if it sounds good, don't convert or re-record.

[MoreSpaceEcho]

but certainly make the final mix a 24 bit file.

[drumsound]

I'd say if you're not done tracking,and esp if the vocals haven't been cut it would be worth the conversion so the new stuff is at 24 bit. If you're done tracking, and you like the performances and the tones, mix it from the 16-bit files.

[Jeff White]

I've been working on a multiple release project (Swivel Chairs in my signature) for three years off and on. They originally brought me 32 songs recorded on an Akai MPS16 machine at 16-bit 44.1kHz. Some of these songs were 6 tracks, some were 12-16 tracks and everything in between. Guitars, vox, percussion (tamb/shaker), etc. I decided that I was going to record everything else at 24-bit 44.1 in Digital Performer, and needed to get these tracks into the computer. I simply ran everything out of the Akia locked to DP and through my Presonus MP20 for a little flavor and into the computer, re-recording everything 2 tracks at a pass at 24-bit 44.1kHz. We recorded an additional 8-24 tracks per song around these basics and everything came out great.

You can, however, simply take 16-bit and up it to 24-bit without any issues. Record everything around it at 24-bit.

Jeff

[MoreSpaceEcho]

can't most DAWs run multiple bit depths in the same session?

[vvv]

I do a lot of internet collabs, and typically people FTP or yousendit 16 bit files.

I always save 'em as 32 bits (32 bit float, a "form" of 24 bit) before I do any EQ, compression, limiting or FX work on them.

I feel that, with processing, 32 bit files make for better results.

I am 99% of the time at 44.1, also.

[argonautlabs]

I always save 'em as 32 bits (32 bit float, a "form" of 24 bit) before I do any EQ, compression, limiting or FX work on them.

A lot of DAWs convert fixed point files (16/24-bit) to floating point (32/64 bit) internally upon reading them before doing any sort of processing, usually even when just summing too. Converting them manually is generally not necessary. When a DAW says something like "xx-bit floating point engine" or "xx-bit floating-point throughout signal path", this is usually what they mean.

32-bit float is also not any sort of "form" of 24 bit. But yes a 24-bit waveform can be represented in 32-bit floating point without any loss. The reverse does not apply.

[MoreSpaceEcho]

^^^ yes.

[vvv]

Well, I did put quote marks around "form".

As far as the "auto-conversion", I am using CEP 2.1 (circa 2005?), and I believe that I read it does not do so in processing 16 bit files, altho' there is an option to force 32 bit summing on mixdown.

Further, and to the extent that, for example, 32 bit float allows for overs without clipping, it seems to me that such processing as might create same is at the least better for the conversion from a safety point, altho' I know it's sloppy to rely on it.

But also, and mebbe it's just in my head, but I believe that using a software compressor on a 32 bit converted file sounds better than on a 16 bit file.

[DrummerMan]

Here's my question, say you transfer a 16 bit file to 24 bit. Not recording anything new, and not taking summing with other tracks into account, but you're going to be using your plugins on this file. Will a plugin affect this 24 bit file any differently than it would the exact same file in it's original 16 bit form? for example, if you put a reverb on a converted track, will the resolution of the decay be any different on the 24 bit converted track, even though it's essentially just a 16 bit file in a 24 bit suit?

[farview]

Here's my question, say you transfer a 16 bit file to 24 bit. Not recording anything new, and not taking summing with other tracks into account, but you're going to be using your plugins on this file. Will a plugin affect this 24 bit file any differently than it would the exact same file in it's original 16 bit form? for example, if you put a reverb on a converted track, will the resolution of the decay be any different on the 24 bit converted track, even though it's essentially just a 16 bit file in a 24 bit suit?

It depends if you are rewriting the file with the reverb on it or not. Using an aux send in your DAW to put reverb on the sound in the mix, the extra bits will do you no good. But if you are destructively processing the actual audio itself, then yes it will make a difference.