Newbie question about bit-rates and dithering

[timandmonica]

Hi!

I'm a Pro Tools user just converting to Tracktion and an Emu 1212m. It's a different paradigm, especially at first. Here's two (hopefully) easy questions.

1. How do you set the bit-rate for the session? In Pro Tools you must select it when you create the session (or "edit'). I can't find any option to select a bit-rate on the Emu card or the software at all! I know Tracktion states that it can use multiple bit-rates in the same session, so I'm wondering if maybe I don't select the bit-rate, Tracktion just uses whatever I happen to throw at it as long as it doesn't go over the internal 32-bit summing. I have a 24-bit file that I want to import- I just want to make sure it STAYS 24-bit when it hits Tracktion.

2. I want to make sure that I dither, not truncate when I render my file. I don't see an option for it in the render menu or in any of the plug-ins that were included. With Pro Tools it was an included plug you inserted on the master. With the Waves stuff it was built-in to most of the plugs; you just selected the output bit-rate. I bought the TC Powercore Element and don't find any dithering there either. I don't know where to start here in Tracktion land. Is there a good free VST dithering plug that all you's guys is using?

Appreciate the help and the patience with us newcomers...

Tim

[Warmonger]

Basically, you've got it. Everything in Tracktion is treated as 32-bit audio until export. To control dithering, go to the settings window, select an output, and then check/uncheck dithering. However, if you have a plugin at the end of the chain that dithers, you don't want Tracktion dithering as well, so you should disable it.

Any T experts feel free to correct anything I've said, because I've never really explored this subject much.

[timandmonica]

Dang, man, 14 minutes later and I get a reply! Can't beat that with a stick...

Thanks for the help!

Tim

[timandmonica]

BTW, I would still be interested to know if there is an EXCEPTIONAL dithering plug that beats the included one. Anybody found anything in VST land, especially in VST free-land?

Tim

[audiobot202]

It's not free, but the Ozone mastering plugin applies a dithering process at the end of the chain.

I thought there was also a free MDA dithering VST plugin? Can't vouch for it's stability or quality though....never used it.

[Warmonger]

Dunno about free, but Izotope's Ozone 3 has what I consider the absolute best dithering algorithm: MBIT+. It's a bit expensive for simply dithering, but you are also getting a very good multi-band limiter, compressor, EQ, stereo imager, and harmonic exciter (along with a not-so-great reverb).

[IIRs]

1. There is no project bit-depth. Audio can be imported in pretty much any format & Tracktion will sort it out for you. Bit depth for audio recording is set per input (just below the WAV / AIFF field) so you can record one input at 16 bit while recording another at 24, if you so wish.

2. I've been meaning to investigate dither plugs.. (just bought Bob Katz Mastering Audio, I think he's got quite a bit to say on the subject!) but in the meantime I've just been using the MDA dither plug with the default settings (and turning off Tracktion's own dither in the settings page)

[rich_h]

I thought there was also a free MDA dithering VST plugin? Can't vouch for it's stability or quality though....never used it.

I've used it - it does the job and has a few different dithering methods to choose from. Sounds okay to my (admittedly knackered) ears.