Apple MA261Z/A User Manual - Page 591

When the number of bits per sample is increased, each sample can more accurately represent the audio signal. VIII 1 bit 2 bit 4 bit 16 bit These analog-to-digital rounding errors are known as quantization errors. Each time a digital signal is processed, it is subject to rounding, which can compound errors over time. To avoid rounding errors, you should always use the highest bit depth your equipment supports. Most digital video devices use 16- or 20-bit audio, so you may be limited to one of these bit depths. However, professional audio recording devices usually support 24-bit audio, which is quickly becoming the industry standard. Bit depth 32-bit floating point 24-bit 16-bit 8-bit When used Internal resolution of the Final Cut Express HD audio mixer. This allows audio calculations, such as fader levels and effects processing, to be performed at very high resolution with a minimum of error, which preserves the quality of your digital audio. This is becoming the audio industry standard for most audio recording formats. Most professional audio interfaces and computer audio editing systems can record with 24-bit precision. DAT recorders, Tascam DA-88 and ADAT multitracks, and audio CDs all use16-bit samples. Many digital video formats, such as DV, use 16-bit audio.1 In the past, 8-bit audio was often used for CD-ROM and web video. Today, 16-bit audio is usually preferred, but available bandwidth and compatibility with your target user's system are your chief considerations when outputting audio for multimedia use. 1 Many consumer DV camcorders allow you to record 4 audio channels using 12-bit mode, but this is not recommended for professional work. Chapter 42 Audio Fundamentals 591