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To Normalize or Not, and 24 bit recording to 16 bit CD..

I have a couple simple questions I have never gotten a good response on...

1. Should I normalize tracks after I record them. Back in the day I normalized everything and I think I got some pretty good results. I have heard that normalization can introduce unwanted noise, but personally haven't run into that situation yet. If not, when should you normalize?

16bit trks to 24 for mixing: gain vs pain?

As a mixing assignment I'm presented with tracks recorded with a so-so 16 bit interface. They're not terrible, but of course they leave something to be desired.

What I'm asking is would it be benficial for me to convert them (internally via software) to 24 bit files, or perhaps just the stereo mix as a 24 bit file, before they ultimately get dithered back to 16?