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Hello,

Just out of curiosity would like to know what each of the members here on RO use for recording if the final goal the usual 44.1 16 bits...

Do you guys use 44.1, 48, 88 or 96 kHz ? And if so why ? If using higher sampling frequencies than 44.1 what dithering tools do you use ?

Thanks in advance

Comments

anonymous Wed, 10/05/2005 - 12:38

I track songs with big arrangements at 44.1 (I need to upgrade my computer before it will be able to handle a lot of tracks at 96) and sparser arrangements at 88.2. I plan to track everything at 96 as soon as I can upgrade. I always record at 24 bit.

I have a couple of reasons for wanting to track at higher sampling rates. I believe the evidence that people can hear the difference between higher sampling rates (88.2 and 96) and 44.1. While the standard today is 44.1 (CD), tracking and making master mixes at higher sample rates provides the possibility of transferring today's mixes to tomorrow's media.

Also, I follow the principle that you're only as good as your weakest link. I want to make sure that the sound quality of my tracks isn't my weakest link.

I do understand CoyoteTrax's viewpoint, though, and I feel it is a legitimate approach. I create several 44.1 mixes during the process of tracking and mixing to get an idea of what the final product will sound like.

anonymous Wed, 10/05/2005 - 14:20

jahme,

When you say that I am wrong, I assume you are referring to whether or not people can hear a difference in audio recorded with sampling rates higher than 44.1 kHz.

This is a much-debated topic. I agree with the views expressed in the following article:
http://

Of course, we are all entitled to our own opinion until scientific evidence conclusively proves whether higher sampling rates are better or not.

CoyoteTrax Wed, 10/05/2005 - 15:03

I do definitely hear a difference (myself) between 44.1 and 96.1 and after tracking some beautiful Native American flute for a few weeks I re-sampled down to 44.1 to render a final mix and the difference was so vast I almost broke down and cried man.

96kHz is beautiful stuff, it really is. And I would loooooooove to track everything at 96, especially when storage is so affordable...even cheap. But I fall in love with the sound at 96 and become quickly unhappy with the lower resolution.

It's not like I'm making professional records, but you probably know what I mean James.

anonymous Wed, 10/05/2005 - 15:35

CoyoteTrax,

I understand what you're saying. In truth, I rarely listen to the finished version of things (CD or final audio files). I prefer listening to the mix in my recording program at the studio where I can enjoy the higher bit depth/sampling rate.

I'm jealous that you're recording Native American flute. I've been trying to locate some Native American players in my area to add some flute, guitar, bass, and drums to some of the songs I'm recording for an album (a little Bill Miller-type flavor). I haven't been able to get anyone to call or write me back. Enjoy your recording!

Reggie Wed, 10/05/2005 - 15:59

James_Jonasson wrote: jahme,

When you say that I am wrong, I assume you are referring to whether or not people can hear a difference in audio recorded with sampling rates higher than 44.1 kHz.

This is a much-debated topic. I agree with the views expressed in the following article:
http://

Of course, we are all entitled to our own opinion until scientific evidence conclusively proves whether higher sampling rates are better or not.

Don't worry about that clown-troll. He has some of the most blatantly trollish replies on here, so just ignore him.

anonymous Wed, 10/05/2005 - 18:05

Funny that those articles have interesting ideas regarding the effect on people on frequencies above 20 kHz but really don't say much about how most loudspeakers have their cutoff frequencies way below 44.1 KHz. I believe Tannoy has some monitors with a ultrasonic frequency tweeters (not mine which are the Reveal Active lol)

CoyoteTrax Thu, 10/06/2005 - 12:10

Adore wrote: Funny that those articles have interesting ideas regarding the effect on people on frequencies above 20 kHz but really don't say much about how most loudspeakers have their cutoff frequencies way below 44.1 KHz. I believe Tannoy has some monitors with a ultrasonic frequency tweeters (not mine which are the Reveal Active lol)

Don't get sampling rate 44.1 kHz mixed up with frrequency spectrum 20 Hz - 20 kHz.

iznogood Thu, 10/13/2005 - 03:59

mr-nice

try using 24/44.1 instead....

i'm sure you will find it sounding better..... the loss you get from the sample rate conversion is greater than the advantage of recording and mixing at 48....

why did you choose 48?? listening tests or theory??

imo 44.1 is for cd....48 is for movie work.... it's that simple....

anonymous Thu, 10/13/2005 - 04:42

iznogood wrote:

why did you choose 48?? listening tests or theory??

Both, for some reason 48k sounded a bit more clear than 44.1k, And a few people I know and on other forums seem to think so too.

imo 44.1 is for cd....48 is for movie work.... it's that simple....

I know its for video work, but like I stated earlier I do notice a slight improvement in quality.

the loss you get from the sample rate conversion is greater than the advantage of recording and mixing at 48....

This of course all depends on how good the dithering in the app you are converting is. Honestly I never had any loss (at least I didnt hear any) of quality tracking and mixing in 48k. I have used 44.1k and it seemed a little less bright. This was a long time ago but i'll try 44.1k on a test project.

anonymous Fri, 10/14/2005 - 16:31

Adore wrote: What about using 88 kHz ? Seems that sampling frequency is not used much .... right or wrong ?

Its not used much, IMO I think anything higher than 48k would be a waste of HD space, especially if your project is just going to a regular audio CD. Now if your project is going to be mixed for a DVD or SACD then I would probably track, mix and master 24bit@ 88k or higher.