Tascam MX-2424 Operational Tutorial

Also see for MX-2424: Release note Instructions Manual update Quick reference guide Install guide

Contents

- 41 -Bit Depth DefinedComputers use a binary number system composed of just 2 digits, 0 and 1. A binarydigit is called a bit, and computers combine two or more bits to express biggernumbers. For example, using two bits, the computer can form four numbers: 00, 01, 10,and 11. With three bits, it can express eight numbers, from 000 to 111. So with 8-bits,the computer can form 256 numbers, with 16-bits it can make 65,536 numbers, andwith 24-bits (like the MX-2424) it can express a whopping 16,777,216 numbers.The number of bits used to represent each sample of sound is the resolution, or bitdepth. The greater the bit depth, the more accurate the measurement. This is becauseresolution determines the total number of steps that are possible between the lowest,and the highest recorded amplitudes. At 16-bit resolution there are 65,356 stepsbetween the lowest and highest recorded amplitudes, while at 24-bit resolution thereare 16,777,216 steps. Resolution defines the dynamic range of a digital recorder—higher resolutions equal more steps and correspondingly better dynamic ranges in theform of a lower noise floor.• HOT TIP! — Confused about the terms? A binary digit is a bit. Eight bits makes up abyte. Half a byte, or four bits, is called a nibble. And a large group of bits is a word. Forexample, a word may contain 16, 24, or 32 bits.Digital Recording TechniquesWith analog recording, it is perfectly acceptable (even desirable) to have occasionalpeaks in the red. However, with digital recording, you never want to see peaks in thered. If you are peaking in the red above 0 dB you will experience digital distortion that isquite unpleasant. Digital distortion occurs because amplitude peaks greater than whatcan be represented by the binary numbers get chopped off. This phenomenon is calledclipping. The bottom line is, absolutely avoid clipping your incoming signal whenrecording digitally.At the same time, it is important to record your incoming signals as hot as possible(without clipping, of course). This is because signals recorded at low volumes are nottaking advantage of the maximum number of available bits. Set your incoming signalsto peak just below 0 dB for the best recording resolution while leaving room for musicaldynamics.• HOT TIP! — A compressor can be used to control incoming signals during recording.These devices are key in capturing optimum recording levels.