Bit's Are Important PT 1

Bit’s are important PT1

The all important Bit

When I was starting out in recording the bit rate was so low, super Mario brothers was the best bit you could find in electronics and MIDI music LOL. I mean when 8 bit came around we had a big celebration, than came along later 16 bit and we in the recording business almost passed out.
Bits and sample rates are all important in making a good clean digital recording or a pro polished recording.
Most table top digital multi track recorders record in 16/44.1 KHZ
16 is bits you will always see in spec sheets this format, 44.1 KHZ are important.
CD quality audio is recorded in red book value at 16/44.1Khz
this is a good clean digital sound but, if you want a recording to sparkle I highly suggest 24 bit, pro industry standard, 24/97KHZ. A higher sample rate brings out many sounds you would not hear as good or at all in 16 bit, my PC recorder and sound card are 24/192KHZ, now 192Khz is not needed for a typical home studio and used sparingly in a pro studio,so you want 24 bit, some recorders, not many have 24 bit and at least 48Khz sample rate, the slight higher sample rate and the 24 bit will make your recording shine. Many sound cards, sequencer,recording software for audio will have 24 bit with 97KHZ and this is what you want.
M-audios cheapest sound card is about 100.00 new and can produce 24/97KHZ and is a pro quality sound card. Trust me .Whatever sound card and PC recording software you choose, look at the sample and bit rate when shopping, go 24 bit.
When you get to the final mix and the mastering part you will be so glad you choose 24 bit and not 16.
But wait if a CD is 16 bit by 44.1 KHZ, why does it matter if I record in 24 bit? and 97KHZ?
Read the next blog for the info in greater detail with pics of music software and gear.