32-Bit Audio: Pros and Cons with Different Software
Well, before we get into the subject, let’s talk a little bit about audio formats, especially for those who are just getting familiar with them. In a nutshell, audio format is a file type for storing digital audio data on a computer system. The bit layout of the audio data is called audio coding format and can be decompressed or compressed to reduce the file size, hence audio file formats can be divided into lossy compression and lossless compression — the latter are extensively used.
Not all audio file formats are the same. The sampling rate and bit depth determine the resolution, frequency range, and dynamic range of the audio itself. We can simply define bit depth as the resolution of each given digital sample. Each binary digit is called a bit. The bit depth will determine how precisely we can define the amplitude. For example, if we only had 1 bit, the only two possible definitions would be that the amplitude would be one or zero, on or off. With more bits, we can add more precise values for the amplitude that accurately sample the original analog signal.
A common bit depth is “32-bit float”, yet not the only one. The higher the number, the more dynamic range you will have. However, the difference between 16, 24, and 32-bit floats is wider than you might think.
A 32-bit float is, in short, an audio recording technique that allows a plethora of possibilities in post-production. The interesting thing about this technique is that is counterintuitive, but an absolutely effective way of recording and processing audio. An editor reads a 32-bit file and often finds distortions and high and low peaks produced during recording, and by implementing this technique, the software can adjust everything faithfully, and very easily (click here for more information).
Well, there are several software programs that work with 32-bit audio: let’s see the three most popular ones, as well as their pros and cons.
Adobe Audition CC 2015.2
This software allows you to edit and create audio content thanks to a set of innovative and easy-to-use tools. Here you will find multitrack functions, waveform, and spectral display.
Some of the advantages have to do with ease of use. For a novice, this tool will be easy to learn, and for an expert, it will mean fewer headaches. On the one hand, the essential sound function puts the frequently used options in one place, and you only have to select the track (or tracks) with which you are working and, directly, the best mix for the selected option. selected. On the other hand, the direct export function allows you to export entire projects at once without the need to first import the mix into the video editor. Finally, updates are free of charge once the subscription has been paid.
The downsides are few. The first is that the subscription has to be paid every month, it doesn’t include as many new features (compared to other CC tools), and to be honest, it’s a good software for post-production, but not so good for music considering the lack of MIDI support and virtual instruments.
Pro Tools 2022.4
This is still the holy grail for thousands of editors, and its new versions never cease to amaze us. It is practical and professional, both for recording, mixing, and mastering audio. The main advantage is related to the possibility of customizing the user interface, which is quite handy taking into account that we all work in different ways and do not use the same tools, nor do we aim for the same goals. On the other hand, Pro Tools supports a wide variety of audio formats and integrates easily with any of them. Furthermore, it exports them without difficulties, and it does it fast.
Now, the disadvantages do not stop being there. First of all, virtual instrument interfaces don’t sound organic, and they’re not suitable for certain rhythms. Secondly, to change the track names and/or move them, you need to program the subfolder labels, and this is a waste of time. Also, the learning curve is steep: it takes a long time to master this tool, which is inconvenient for newbies. Finally, cloud projects have little consistency.
Audacity 3.1.3
Audacity remains one of the most widely used free audio recording and editing tools today. The program is written in C++ and uses the wxWidgets GUI toolkit to provide the same graphical user interface on different operating systems.
The advantages? Well, it’s still a free tool, and that’s saying a lot, considering all the editing options it includes, as well as its soundbank, and a decent amount of musical tracks. It is friendly to both Windows and Mac. So, the bad thing has to do, above all, with the controversies that have arisen around the type of license (GPLv2), which, despite being open source, could be different in the future. Besides, there are new owners, who have announced possible changes to the terms of use regarding the collection and transmission of comprehensive user and usage data. Storing (short) IP addresses should help detect and prevent possible DoS attacks on Audacity’s update servers but this annoys many users, of course.
If you need to record, edit, and master your project, don’t hesitate to contact a professional post-production studio Enhanced Media. We can help you and advise you on the best way to take your projects to the next level.
