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Bit Depth

The number of bits used by a digital system to represent a recorded sample is refered to as the bit depth (or resolution).

The greater the bit depth, the more accurately the system can represent the different amplitudes within an audio waveform.

For example, an 8-bit recording can represent 256 different amplitude values while a 16-bit recording can represent 65,536 different values. The bit depth of a system will determine the signal -to-noise ratio of your recordings. Each bit provides a maximum of 6 dB of signal-to-noise ratio, so a 16-bit recording will result in a 96dB signal-to-noise ratio.

With a MOTU Audio interface and Digital Performer you have the ability to record up to 24 bits.