Mixing and Mastering 24 bit samples

[mickomoo]

On a limb I upgraded to EWQL Platnium Plus last year, but I've held off on producing anything with 24 bit samples because when I do everything is supremely wet and heavy. No amount of mixing down (with my current ability) has gotten that to change.When I work with 16 bit samples it's just been a matter of me panning, playing with volume and delay, but I guess 24 bit samples require better handling? Do any of you work with 24 bit samples?

[timaeus222]

From what I've used, 24-bit and 16-bit samples are so negligibly different in quality that I would rather use the 16-bit samples just to conserve physical memory. If your 24-bit samples are actually noticeably different from your 16-bit counterparts, there's something inconsistent. I can't tell the difference between my 24-bit samples I have in LASS compared to the 16-bit samples... at all.

[mickomoo]

From what I've used, 24-bit and 16-bit samples are so negligibly different in quality that I would rather use the 16-bit samples just to conserve physical memory. If your 24-bit samples are actually noticeably different from your 16-bit counterparts, there's something inconsistent. I can't tell the difference between my 24-bit samples I have in LASS compared to the 16-bit samples... at all.

I don't know if it's just me, but brass sounds significantly better. Strings are negligible, but plucked basses sound a bit fuller.

[Moseph]

Can you post an example of the sound you're getting with the 24-bit samples vs. the 16-bit? I, too, would not expect a big enough difference that you would have to change your approach to mixing, so there could be something going on with the DAW and/or sampler.

Shot in the dark here -- you upgraded EWQLSO from Gold, right? Gold includes only one mic perspective, whereas Platinum, in addition to being 24-bit, has three mic perspectives. It's possible that the increased wetness/heaviness you're hearing comes from the extra two mic positions (which can be toggled in PLAY).

[Garrett Williamson]

When I switched from recording in 16 to 24, it definitely sounded different. However, it can be pretty tricky hearing any differences between 16 and 24 generally, so I donno what your problem is. I don't think it's that dramatic of a difference. I always record in 24 and later on once I finish the master, I export it as 16. It's 24, 44.1 the entire time until the master is completely finished.

[Argle]

I don't know if it's just me, but brass sounds significantly better. Strings are negligible, but plucked basses sound a bit fuller.

Moseph is probably correct, the sound difference you hear is the extra mic positions. You have to compare apples to apples. 24-bit samples are for people who think they add some extra fairy dust or something, there's no way they by themselves are doing what you think.

[bitl3gs]

the main benefit of 24 bit is headroom. if you want more precision and dynamics in your recording/mixing/mastering, it's the way to go, even if your end product is going to be converted down to 16 bit. if you have proper monitoring equipment I think you can notice a considerable difference. especially if you snort some fairy dust first

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun08/articles/qa0608_2.htm

[SnappleMan]

Working in 24bit resolution and using 24bit samples are two different things. You will get a massive and noticeable improvement when switching from 16bit to 24bit depth, but in terms of 16bit vs 24bit samples you will not hear much of a difference at all unless you're in a very well tuned and very expensive studio.

[timaeus222]

Working in 24bit resolution and using 24bit samples are two different things. You will get a massive and noticeable improvement when switching from 16bit to 24bit depth, but in terms of 16bit vs 24bit samples you will not hear much of a difference at all unless you're in a very well tuned and very expensive studio.

+1

Exactly, recording in 24-bit vs. 16-bit might sound noticeably different, because some instruments just need that extra bit of detail to capture the little nuances.

http://embertone.com/instruments/friedlanderviolin.php

^ There's a note there that says:

We suggest the 16-bit version. Not only will it save you a lot of RAM, but also the difference in quality is negligible AT BEST!

For those who strongly want those 24-bit samples, we've adjusted the price to recoup the extra bandwidth costs. Thank you for understanding!

Edited August 22, 2014 by timaeus222