Wave Files 16bit PCM or 32bit Float

[chariot]

I had a large mp3 file of various tracks, I then wanted to break them up into separate files which I know how to do, but the next thing I wanted to do is export them all as separate wave files.

I see there is an option to export either as 16 or 32 bit float, so I experimented and went for 32bit float, it exported and plays fine, but I see on the tags that it said the following,

Format : ACM Codec Not
Installed 'IEEE Float'
Frequency : 44100
Channels : 2
Bits : 32

I kind of noticed that the 32bit was a larger file, but I thought that it sounded slightly better, do I need this ACM codec, if so where can I find it for Windows 98 S.E?

Is this something to worry about, and should I use 32bit even though it gives that message on the tags.

I noticed on the original file there was a jump on the mp3, so does Audacity pick this up and inform that the files is corrupt?

Would you also recommend using either 16 or 32 bit float, and does it make any difference to the sound of the file?

[kozikowski]

32-bit floating reduces digitizing errors to almost zero is is really good for massive production and special effects and sound management.

However, it's usefulness declines outside of Audacity. Not everybody supports 32-bit in the Outside World. I have rescued a project where a voice actor supplied an MP3 based on 32-bit code and the client couldn't hear it. All I did was resample the show to 16-bit and recreate the MP3. Poof. Problem gone.

Not all Music CD authoring programs support 32-bit, etc.

On the other hand, 16-bit is fairly universal. 44100, 16-bit, Stereo is the Music CD sound standard and 48000, 16-bit, Stereo is the digital television sound standard (one of them).

Koz

[chariot]

kozikowski,

Thank you for your reply.

So you would recommend if it's for music audio use only to use the 16bit PCM and that there wouldn't be much of a difference to the ear?

[steve]

For best quality, you would use 32 bit and this would allow you to edit, process and manipulate your recording 'till the cows come home (as my Grandmother used to say) with virtually no loss in fidelity.

In most other cases you are likely to find that 16 bit is perfectly adequate.

[chariot]

For best quality, you would use 32 bit and this would allow you to edit, process and manipulate your recording 'till the cows come home (as my Grandmother used to say) with virtually no loss in fidelity.

In most other cases you are likely to find that 16 bit is perfectly adequate.

Thank you.

[chariot]

I tried to burn the 32bit float wave files, and it looks like I need an ACM codec.

I tried various methods to convert the wave but no luck using dampower, Switch.

Nero would not touch it either

I use Audacity version 1.2.6

I know I can use the 16bit fine PCM, but I did notice the music sounded softer and more pleasant to the ear, that's why I wanted to burn the 32bit instead of the 16bit.

Any help would be appreciated.

Best wishes

[steve]

I tried to burn the 32bit float wave files,

Do you mean "burn" as in "burn to a CD"?
For making audio CDs you must use 16 bit. Audio CDs only use 16 bit audio at 44.1 kHz.

[chariot]

I tried to burn the 32bit float wave files,

Do you mean "burn" as in "burn to a CD"?
For making audio CDs you must use 16 bit. Audio CDs only use 16 bit audio at 44.1 kHz.

Hi,

Yes, burn to a CD.

I found that out after I had posted re 16bit for audio CD's.

I wonder where I get this ACM codec though.

Actually I also wanted to convert from 32bit wave to either flac or 320 bitrate mp3, but without this codec I am unable to do this.

[steve]

I don't think that you need the ACM codec. Why do you think that you do?

[chariot]

I don't think that you need the ACM codec. Why do you think that you do?

Because I downloaded a Wave file, but it was 48,000 and not 44,100, but it would not play in my media player, the only thing it would let me do was to convert it to mp3, but I really just wanted to change the PCM frequency, a message said I needed this codec.