What's the best audio format to capture in?

[Jeff Kellam]

I am starting to use my sony digital audio recorder to record and provide sound tracks in my Sony Vegas 8b video projects.

I am wondering if if is best generally to capture the audio files in the same format the final project will use, i.e. 16b/48K, so Vegas does not have to render/convert the files. Im assuming every time they are rendered, some loss is happening.

I originally was thinking I would capture all audio in 24b/96K, but Im not so sure this is a good use of resources except when it's required for later audio editing.

I would also like to know if there is any problem with using the Sony 16b SBM feature when using the audio for video tracks in Vegas. The Sony PCM-D50 literature does not reccomend it but I don't know why, and it sounds better.

Thanks.

[Mike Peter Reed]

I default to 24/96 and know I have all bases covered for the type of stuff I do.

It's pretty much universally accepted that 24-bit is worth doing.

The sampling rate is debated endlessly. 48 is the Hollywood standard for dialogue.

I'd be surprised if Vegas couldn't handle these rates natively since it started life as an audio app many moons ago.

[Seth Bloombaum]

Most working pros have found 24 bit 48KHz acquisition to be the sweet spot.
96KHz does not seem to offer anything that's audible but is twice the file size.

There is nothing wrong with a well-recorded 16bit clip, however, 24 bit acquisition allows more usable bits when the subject is quiet. Eg. when the vocal peaks that were perking along at perhaps -12db suddenly plunge to -24db or lower, as sometimes happens, the 24bit recording really sounds much better than the 16bit.

Originally Posted by Mike Peter Reed

...I'd be surprised if Vegas couldn't handle these rates natively since it started life as an audio app many moons ago.

Yes, it can. Set project properties to 24/48 and mix and match 16 and 24 bit on the timeline.

[Jeff Kellam]

Thanks you guys!

I also read this thread http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=94647 a few pages back and sticking with 24b seems the way to go.

I guess this will also future proof my material so if I start using TrueHD (up to 24/192) I can present native resolution audio.

FYI, Vegas supports up to 24/192.

[Gary Nattrass]

I work in 24 bit 48k with pro tools for video work.