32 bit float
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Posted on Sep 09, 2008 06:53 pm
Redneck Samurai
Tim the Enchanter
Member Since: Feb 17, 2008
What actually is 32 bit float? Is it a true 32 bit? Is it better quality than recording at 24 bit?
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olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Sep 10, 2008 12:22 am A 32 bit float is a 23 bit mantissa, with an 8 bit exponent, and 1 sign bit.
It's not any better quality as far as recording goes, but when processing the tracks with effects etc, the accumulated rounding errors that occur with integer based operations are greatly reduced, since only the final result needs to be rounded up/down with FP.
Also as far as recording/playback, no audio interfaces I'm aware of actually record/playback in 32bit FP this all takes place in the software you use, so it doesn't really matter whether you select to record in 32bit FP, the conversion can and usually is done by default in most DAW software these days, except ProTools which still works soley in 24/32 bit integer as far as I know.
Dan
Sep 10, 2008 11:16 am Ugh... What'd you just say? Haha.
Sep 10, 2008 11:19 am yes, it's more gooder in 32 FP, but it may or may not be used in your system at certain points :-)
Sep 10, 2008 12:36 pm
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 10, 2008 06:05 pm Herb, whered yer post go??
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Sep 10, 2008 10:25 pm It's still there, I guess? I can see the picture. Maybe Herb's brain is full too? >:-)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 11, 2008 05:37 pm Ya, I noticed it when I came back later. Funny stuff Herb.