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The issue about recording at higher rates, is that the format it is ultimately replayed via will limit the quality of what the listener hears. Red Book CDs are 44.1 KHz/16 Bit - MP3 is the same but uses data compression to enable files to be smaller - so the benefits of higher resolution recordings are lost.
Surprisingly, there was a noticable difference between 44.1KHz and 48, but none that we could hear between 48 and 96. Likewise there was a difference between 16 and 24-bit, but none between 24 and 32. So given that using higher quality slowed the system down drastically when mixing, we used 48KHz/24-bit.
But that’s for recording, when you need more ‘data headroom’ for processing. On playback media, there’s no evidence that higher than 44.1/16 actually improves the quality, and it could actually make it worse... this is an old article but worth reading:
https://xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
(Don’t worry, it’s not by Neil Young .)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
My version of cubase seems to be locked at 24bits and 44ghz so I can't experiment. I have a decent modern new interface and PC. I think I just need to bit the bullet and upgrade.
I have read though than if recording and mixing at higher bit rates and samples that when you export to mp3 you should use a dithering tool on the stereo export channel to convert it to the target playback device capability e.g. 16bit 44.1ghz. Is that good practice or is it fine to export in 32bit 48ghz and let the playback device sort it out?
24/48 is a good medium. Higher sampling rates take up alot more hard drive space and processing power too. Unless you are running a acoustic/classical/jazz session with pristine mics and pres you are just wasting your time.
If you can hear a difference - I don't doubt richardhomer's observation - then it isn't because the higher-rate file sounds better.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
So tracking in 24 bit just makes it easier to obtain a 16 bit signal. In the rand scheme of things I'm never going to distribute anything other than a clean16/44.1 file, but using 24 bits helps me get that.
The CD standard nulls with the original audio.
The only way higher sample rates could be different is if you are using some plugin that acts differently due to sample rate.
Also remember that some plugins have subtle effects that are generated at random so will be different each time regardless of sample rate.
If you record the same audio at the same time in 44 and any other higher rate, it will null as long as there are no plugins.
When I have a choice in the matter I track at 48khz and 24 bit.
My personal opinion is although some plugins sound better at higher samples rates it is not currently worth the trade off for DSP.
One thing I have noticed with recording at higher sample rate sis having a reduced amount of DSP means you have to be more careful about instantiating plugins when mixing.
It could be that it is not the sample rate change that is responsible for the track sounding more open, but just that you have to work more effectively with fewer resources.
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I've watched a few "mix tips" videos on YouTube and they're doing dozens of processes on each track, no wonder modern pop music sounds like shiny plastic.
With the newer computers my personal favourite thing is that, when before I'd have to close all programs, even disable services to make sure the daw had all the power not to glitch.
Now I just use the same amount of plugins and same sample rate but can basically open the daw with all the web browsers etc still running and record without a hiccup. Might sound trivial but it's so nice to just be able to record when the feeling comes rather than having to set everything up.