mccDec 28, 2024
YouTube
Show threadmccDec 28, 2024

…BC people asked:

This video is about the recent rise of audio interfaces that can record directly in 32-bit IEEE float instead of the standard 16-bit integer audio [or high-end-audio-production 24-bit integer].

This is the best video I know about the subject, talking about the Zoom UAC-232 and how it probably works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0g0XXm9XJk

This is the thumbnailed video. I can't vouch for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wk_VPEi8Z8

The 232 does appear to have problems with software support…you need Reaper

Zoom UAC-232 - 32 Bit float - USB Audio Interface - Review

YouTube
Show threadHoward Chu @ SymasDec 28, 2024
@mcc "Never clip again"? Clipping will happen when the input to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) maxes out. Doesn't matter what format the ADC spits out, after that point.
Show threadmccDec 28, 2024
@hyc This particular ADC appears to have an *absurdly* high end to its dynamic range, high enough you'd not actually hit it in practice with even production audio gear
Show threadHoward Chu @ SymasDec 28, 2024

@mcc I'm reminded of design notes for Forth in the 1980s - the rationale for only supporting 16 bit ints. Because none of the real world sensors and actuators you'd ever interface with had anywhere near a full 16 bits of dynamic range.

After you capture this blazing sound, what DAC is going to play it back? What amplifier is going to play it back without destroying your speakers?

Show threadmccDec 28, 2024
@hyc As you'd maybe know if you watched the Julian Krause video, this is intended to be used for professional audio production. In other words, it is assumed that you are recording and then applying a post-production step where you rebalance the sound. The advantage is that you can record and then adjust the sound afterward, instead of knowing how loud the thing is, setting a gain and recording. It potentially saves time. It's probably more for measuring very quiet things than very loud.
Show threadmcc
@hyc However, you're right insofar as *unless you're lazy*, this offers few advantages over 24-bit and some concrete disadvantages (in the form of limitations on your software workflow)
Dec 28, 2024 at 5:39pmWeb
Show thread{ id: d2718, ok: 🇵🇸🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦 }Dec 28, 2024

@mcc @hyc

I have not watched this video, but: A lot of music production software (DAWs and their plugins) uses 32-bit floating-point arithmetic internally, so the added step of data coming in as f32 doesn't seem that weird. That said, I've never found the dynamic range of 24 bits lacking.