Saving Edited 24bit Files in 32bit (float) DAW - Workflow?

Question

Hello,I am hoping to find clarification regarding what happens to a 24bit file each time it is saved and re-saved after editing using a 32bit (float) DAW. I am not mixing in a multitrack environment, but editing the actual waveform. The sources I work with are primarily LP (or 78) records, cassettes, and reel-to-reel.My typical workflow for an LP record for example:1. Record source at 24bit/88.2kHz/-15dB-12dB dBFS as one file per side of source; save copies as-is across multiple external hard drives.2. Apply amplitude (clip gain) globally to both files, ensuring level consistency between both sides, and with that of the original source.Save each as "...24-88_EDITS_01".3. Open each "EDITS_01" and manually remove obvious clicks and pops, then apply light DeClicker - Save.Note: I try to avoid adding EQ to a record, as I am not trying to remaster it, only clean it up.4. Apply track markers - Save. Export track markers as 24/88.2 files - Save.5. Export track markers as 16/44.1 with triangular dither for CD.As you can see, there is a great deal of saving going on. Since Audition CS6 does all of its internal processing at 32bit (float), what happens to the 24bit file at each stage when I repeatedly edit and save it? Remember, I am working directly on the files themselves (Waveform editor) and not working in a multitrack, mixing situation.Also, I thought I should only dither once, when going to 16bit. I've read elsewhere that dither should be applied at each step when saving the 24bit file, since it is going from the internal processing of 32bit float to 24bit integer. I have experimented with simply recording the original sources as 32bit (float)/88.2 files. Would using them throughout the editing process alleviate any conversion at each save? I've also read that Audition "may" apply dither to the 32 bit float file "behind the scenes" before being sent to the 24bit converter.Any thoughts, tips, and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Eric

SteveG_AudioMasters_ · Answer

Answered this in your other thread... but:

"I've read elsewhere that dither should be applied at each step when saving the 24bit file, since it is going from the internal processing of 32bit float to 24bit integer."

This isn't true at all - reason is in the other thread. Ideally, if you are going to process files in 32-bit mode, you should stick with it until the final stage, and only then do any dithering at the point of converting to a 16-bit int file. Incidentally, I think there is a good argument for making any MP3 copies direct from the 32-bit master without dithering - the main processing taking place in an MP3 conversion involves masking and reducing the bit depth of the 'masked' signals. If there's additional noise added to the least significant bit then potentially this could affect the coding algorithm. Or to put it another way - I can't see a single good reason for doing it!

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