Why can't I export a 24-bit session as a 24-bit mixdown?

[Mobius Strip]

Hi all.

I've created a 24-bit session and brought two 24-bit mono wave files in. Now I want to export it as a 24-bit stereo wave file.

But under Export/Multitrack Mixdown, all the 24- and 16-bit options are greyed out. I have "Wave PCM" selected as the format.

Anyone know what the deal is here? Thanks.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

Assuming that it's a stereo session, in the Export menu, you probably need to go to the Sample Type settings and change the format there - otherwise you'll get what it was set to before as a default. That works fine here.

[Mobius Strip]

Thanks for your response.

It's set to "same as source" (the default), but all the sources are 24-bit.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_ · Accepted solution]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Mobius+Strip  wrote

Thanks for your response.

It's set to "same as source" (the default), but all the sources are 24-bit.

Actually they aren't - the only 'source' you have when exporting is the multitrack mixdown source - which is 32 bit FP. If you set the Sample Type setting specifically to 24 bit, then that's what you'll get.

[Mobius Strip]

Thanks. Seems as though a little UI tweaking would make this clearer. Every step of the way, I chose 24-bit... only to have it unavailable as an output format.

I appreciate you taking the time to point out the quirks!

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

I'm not sure if it's actually a 'quirk', as such. Certainly it requires you to know what's happening under the bonnet as far as sessions are concerned, but technically it's accurate, if not a little pedantic. The export source can only be the mix-down, and it tells you what the format of that is at the bottom of the screen...