32 bit float

[Dreverb]

Hello,
when i open Mixbus my previous sessions are marked as "32 bit float" even using the 64 bit app. Is that ok?
Thanks

[Support@Harrison]

Yes, that just indicates the "file format" that you've chosen for the session. This can be 16bit, 24bit, or 32bit.

This is a common question, so we have added additional "headers" in that window to show what each column means. They will show up in the next "interim release".

-Ben

[Dreverb]

thanks, and sorry, I didn't notice that

[Matt]

Here's a question. Does this setting change the bit depth of the audio as it passes through mixbus? Or just the actual audio file?

As I mostly use use mixbus to mix prerecorded tracks, I leave it at 32-bit float. But if it makes no difference as the audio passes through I'll start using 24-bit to match the audio files.

[Ben@Harrison]

The setting has no effect on the audio engine. It only affects the files that Mixbus records or bounces. If you are only importing tracks to mix, then the setting has no effect.

[Matt]

Good to know.

Why the 32-bit float option then? For interfaces that have built in dsp? I'm assuming some interfaces might pass 32-bit float streams after processing. I'm not aware of any that have 32-bit float converters. Just future proofing?

[Ben@Harrison]

32-bit float file format is useful in a couple of situations:

1) if you "bounce" tracks, they are recorded in 32bit so you don't accidentally clip the file
2) if you use JACK to record the output from a different JACK-aware workstation (like Ardour), the connection is 32bit and the file will not be clipped.

We default the setting to 32bit because it might prevent someone from an accidental overload/clip. The downside is that it takes more space, and uses more disk I/O.

Our "XDubber" is our enterprise-class workstation that connects directly to our large-format digital consoles. In that setup you can record floating-point directly from the console outputs. In that case we -do- want 32bit float.

[Matt]

I figured you had your reasons. And I totally understand the concept of fixed vs float, and not clipping.

The discussion of bit depth recently came up in the Metric Halo mailing list. Never got an official answer as to whether or not their boxes can pass 32-bit streams to the daw. Of course this would only be necessary if any processing was done before it got to the daw. As their boxes, like most on the market, have 24-bit fixed converters. I've seen some talk of 32-bit float DAC's in the audiophile world. But not so much in the audio engineering world. Not that I'm really clued in to all that is current. Just didn't see much use for most people. Now for those that have the gear. Absolutely 32-bit has its advantages. And agree it should be an option. No doubt. Just wondering who all could truly benefit from it.