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From: Steve Chandler <stevec@...>
Date: Thu Feb 14, 2002 8:31pm
Subject: Re: [GEN] 24 bits vs. 96K

> Jon wrote
>
> I disagree with this. Bit depth has nothing to do with dynamic range. Bit
> depth has to do with resolution. A 16 bit converter and 24 bit converter
> will clip at exactly the same point (provided they are accurately
> calibrated). The difference is the quality of the quiter bits, providing
> a more accurate depiction of the instrument being recorded.
>

At 6 dB per bit, bit depth is about nothing but dynamic range. Dynamic range after
all is nothing but the range between clipping and the noise floor. So at 16 bits
that range is 96 dB and at 24 bits it's 144 dB. That's the theoretical maximum
dynamic range. Add in the self noise from all your electronics in the chain
including A/D converters and what you get will be less dynamic range. I agree that
at 24 bits with good electronics the quality of the quieter bits will be improved.

Regarding 96K sampling rates, it's been demonstrated that many people can hear the
difference between a sine wave and a square wave at 15 kHz (these demonstrations
were done at numerous AES shows by Rupert Neve). Quite obviously some people can
hear the effect of a 45 kHz harmonic. A 44.1 kHz sampling rate can't indicate
anything about the shape of such a wave, but a 96 Khz sampling rate can.

Steve