24bit FLAC files -> CD

[jenkel16]

So I got to thinking about 24bit files and getting them on a cd as audio and read the thread about using Nero and burning from the compressed files and asked the question: At what point do 24bit FLAC files become 16bit wav files and how. (I realize dithering is involved)

Thanks
Graham

i think you can only play 24 bit audio files on dvds so i guess you could burn a dvd audio disc but i would guess when you burn from the compressed files they become 16 bit waves

[Five]

Originally Posted by jenkel16

So I got to thinking about 24bit files and getting them on a cd as audio and read the thread about using Nero and burning from the compressed files and asked the question: At what point do 24bit FLAC files become 16bit wav files and how. (I realize dithering is involved)

Thanks
Graham

Do you have any pro audio software installed, if so what prog?

[jenkel16]

I am using Protools LE 6.4

[Five]

eek I don't know that prog (still waiting to win the lotto and buy it!). since you've got that you'll probably be able to figure out the details... you need to "convert bit depth" somehow, from 24bit to 16bit, there should be an option for enabling dither somewhere in there. I expect they will have it on by default. When you're done you can check the properties of the wav file to make sure it is now 16bit/44100Hz (CD standard). Listening carefully to parts where the music fades out comparing between the original and the converted version will show you the quality of the conversion.

I'm sorry I really don't know protools or RTAS very well at all. If you want to post screenshots and bits from the help files concerning dither I can answer more questions for you as best as I can.

[jenkel16]

I understand and know how to downsample. That's not an issue to me. I'm, curious I guess you could say, about when the 24bit files become 16bit files in the process of burning direct from compressed. I'm also wondering whether it is better to share the 16bit files for the sake of ease, since most individuals don't have the ability to convert the .wav files.

[Five]

I'm really not sure about how Nero deals with burning 24bit FLAC files to audio cdr... I would guess that dither isn't applied and that the files are simply truncated to 16bit which introduces undesirable (altho minor) artifacts. I would have to spend several hours experimenting with this myself to figure that out.

The real question that needs to be answered is this: what 24bit files are you considering sharing? If the taper provided them in 24bit format (a rare circumstance), then perhaps they should be left that way unless you wish to do a "remaster" (even tho this would just barely qualify). If you are the taper, I would strongly recommend sharing your show as 16bit FLAC files because I sincerely doubt that most traders who would download it even have a soundcard capable of playing back 24bit files.

[jenkel16]

right-o That's what I wanted to know and I am the taper. Thank's Five.

[Five]