24 bit vs. 16 bit at DVinfo.net

Glenn Gipson · August 20th, 2003, 05:09 PM

When recording on location dialogue, does the difference between 24 bit and 16 bit really make a difference?

Gints Klimanis · August 20th, 2003, 05:48 PM

Generally, no. There are few environments (or video recorders) that will offer you a 16 or 12 bit noise floor. Many audio circuits are listed as 16-bit resolution, but that's usually just the resolution and not even the signal/noise ratio of the A/D converter. 24-bits is useful when adjusted for headroom as any footroom will be below the ambient and circuit noise floor.

Peter Jefferson · August 21st, 2003, 11:12 AM

Gints is on the ball as usual, very good advice and info IMO

in lamens terms and in a practical sense, there really is no benefit to using a higher bitrate that 16bit 48kz as your final output (DVD??) wont go higher than that....

UNLESS you rintending on creating DVDAudio which is a different ketle of fish, but for basic work and a good clear rate which can be up or downsampled, 16bit is fine.

as mentioned, its only the resolution.
Obviously the higher it is the better the sound quality, just remember though that most DVD players only go up to 16bit.. so anything higher is pretty redundant at this time.

August 20th, 2003, 05:09 PM	#1
Glenn Gipson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainfield, New Jersey Posts: 927	24 bit vs. 16 bit When recording on location dialogue, does the difference between 24 bit and 16 bit really make a difference?

August 20th, 2003, 05:48 PM	#2
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	Generally, no. There are few environments (or video recorders) that will offer you a 16 or 12 bit noise floor. Many audio circuits are listed as 16-bit resolution, but that's usually just the resolution and not even the signal/noise ratio of the A/D converter. 24-bits is useful when adjusted for headroom as any footroom will be below the ambient and circuit noise floor.

August 21st, 2003, 11:12 AM	#3
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	Gints is on the ball as usual, very good advice and info IMO in lamens terms and in a practical sense, there really is no benefit to using a higher bitrate that 16bit 48kz as your final output (DVD??) wont go higher than that.... UNLESS you rintending on creating DVDAudio which is a different ketle of fish, but for basic work and a good clear rate which can be up or downsampled, 16bit is fine. as mentioned, its only the resolution. Obviously the higher it is the better the sound quality, just remember though that most DVD players only go up to 16bit.. so anything higher is pretty redundant at this time.