Export Audio - 32 but versus 64 bit

[brandon 22]

Is there a reason to choose one of the above bit rates over the other when exporting audio?

[reginaldStjohn 118]

2 hours ago, JonD said:

Why mix down to 16-bit?  The only reason I can think of is if you make CDs, along with mp3. 

My understanding is best practice (For audio intended for streaming services) is to "stay at top bit depth until the end".   So that's what I've done -- 24 bit all the way through mixdown. 

Not criticizing, as there's no right or wrong here.  Just curious. 

No offense taken, I like to have a 16 bit version for the exact reasons you stated, mp3 and CD.  I tried uploading a 24 bit to soundcloud and Spotify. They do their own things to it so I couldn't hear the difference between my 16 and 24 bit uploaded files.

[reginaldStjohn 118]

From my standpoint there is no reason to export 64 bit files unless there is some super resolution audio format out there. Even 32 bit files are overkill for most needs unless you are transferring stems to another machine for more mixing.  Personally, I export at 24 bit, and then master everything down to 16 bit. From there I do mp3, uploads to streaming services etc.

[brandon 22]

👍

[Promidi 460]

9 hours ago, brandon said:

Is there a reason to choose one of the above bit rates over the other when exporting audio?

IMHO 64bit is way overkill.  Hell, even 32bit is almost overkill....

[JonD 43]

21 hours ago, reginaldStjohn said:

...  Personally, I export at 24 bit, and then master everything down to 16 bit. From there I do mp3, uploads to streaming services etc.

Why mix down to 16-bit?  The only reason I can think of is if you make CDs, along with mp3. 

My understanding is best practice (For audio intended for streaming services) is to "stay at top bit depth until the end".   So that's what I've done -- 24 bit all the way through mixdown. 

Not criticizing, as there's no right or wrong here.  Just curious. 

Edited September 25, 2020 by JonD

[John Vere 598]

My humble creations sound just fine to me and everyone else at 16. I’d use 24 at max. 
it’s all about the talent and the song. Not the technology 

[msmcleod 2,158]

If you're exporting to use the audio files in another DAW or audio editor, then you might want to keep the quality of 32bit / 64bit.

However, if you're exporting to play the files, you'll need a bit depth that most sound cards support - e.g. 16 bit or 24 bit.