Bit Depth

Bit Depth is crucial to understand with anything involving digital audio. If you use a digital console, it’s even more important. Jeff and Charlie explain Bit Depth and the various kinds in this video.

Key Points:
  • Bit depth is the level (amplitude) of frequencies chopped up in digital audio (EX: 8, 16, 24, 32 digital audio bit rates).
  • Every bit is actually 6dB of resolution. The more dynamic the material, the more bit depth you will need to capture the range.
  • The goal is to maximize bit depth and still leave yourself with headroom to avoid clipping. A 24-bit depth is a nice resolution to use when recording.

Pro Tip: In digital audio, red is bad! Stay in the yellow. Good to know: -15 dBFS digital is 0 dBFS analog.

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Audio
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