[Icecast] 16bit vs. 24bit

[xiphmont at xiph.org]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 11:39 AM, Winn Johnston <winnjohnston at gmail.com> wrote:
> I bought this recently
> http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-US-100-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B002QQC1ZI
> But i have been thinking maybe it would have been better to get a 24bit
> version
> http://tascam.com/product/us-600/images/
> I guess i am streaming at a lower quality, but if i were recording the 24
> bit would be better no?
> Thoughts?

24 bit does not improve audio quality (and on consumer equipment, the
24 bit mode is usually only ~ 18 bits deep at best before noise swamps
things).  Unless you're using microphones that cost more than cars,
the mic isn't much more than 16 bits deep either.  (Well, OK, used
cars).

What 24 bits gives you is a little more headroom in a recording
environment.  You can hedge more against transients clipping without
giving away S/N.  If that's what you're looking for-- then 24 bits
makes sense.

Monty