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64-bit Audio. Advantages and Disadvantages

Remark: AuI ConverteR 48x44 uses 64-bit floating point audio processing for all versions.

64-bit audio processing
Advantages and disadvantages of various audio resolutions are reviewed here. Different bit depths (16-, 24-, 32-, 64-bit integer and floating point) are considered that digital audio processing uses.
updated

Author: Yuri Korzunov,
Audiophile Inventory's developer with 25+ year experience in digital signal processing,
author of the articles that make audio easy for beginners

 

 

 

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How to convert 64-bit audio

To convert 64-bit audio:

  1. Launch audio conversion software [AuI ConverteR]


     
  2. In the main window, click on Open files button and select input files with 64-bit resolution (in instance, .wav).*
    Note: RF64/BFW refers to file size. 64-bit resolution is supported by any .wav-file type.
     
  3. In the Directory output files field, select output directory.
     
  4. In AuI ConverteR's main window (right middle), Format field, select target PCM-audio file format: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, mp3, m4a, etc.
     
  5. Select bit depth and sample rate of converted files.
     
  6. Push Start button.
     
  7. Wait until the end ot conversion. Converted files are located in the directory that selected in goal 3.
     

 

* WARNING: DVD-audio/video, Blu-Ray, DVD/BluRay/CD ISO are NOT supported.
For Modula-R version, SACD ISO, DSF, DFF are supported in proper configurations.
For ISO tracks, DSF, DFF longer than 3 minutes, FREE edition mutes 2-second silence in the output middle and has other restrictions. In batch conversion FREE version mutes 2 seconds in the output middle for second and the subsequent files.
Free version has processing sound quality identical commercial editions.

 

 

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16-bit integer processing

Advantages

1. Fast mathematics.

2. Low-occupied hard disk and space of random access memory (RAM).

 

Disadvantages

1. High noise level (about -110 ... -120  dB)

2. Low number summarize/multiply steps  for achieving overflow.

3. Is not bit width optimal for performance of 32- and 64-bit central processor units (CPU) of computers.

 

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24-bit integer processing

Advantages

1. Low noise level (about -150 ... -160  dB)

 

Disadvantages

1. Is not suitable bit size for 32- and 64-bit CPUs.

 

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32-bit integer processing

Advantages

1. Very low noise level (about -170 ... -190  dB)

2. Fast mathematics.

3. Fastest access to RAM (for 32- and 64-bit CPUs).

3. Is optimal bit size for 32- and 64-bit processors of computers.

 

Disadvantages

1. Restricted number summarize/multiply steps  for achieving overflow.

 

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32-bit floating point processing

Advantages

1. Fast mathematics (for math co-processors).

2. Fastest access to RAM (for 32- and 64-bit CPUs).

3. Very low noise level (below -190 dB)

 

Disadvantages

1. Restricted number summarize/multiply steps  for achieving overflow, but more than integer.

 

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64-bit integer processing

Advantages

1. Very low noise level (below -190  dB)

3. Fastest access to RAM (for 64-bit CPUs). Optimal bit size for 32- and 64-bit processors of computers.

 

Disadvantages

1. Restricted number summarize/multiply steps  for achieving overflow (then for floating point resolutions).

2. More significant  accumulated rounding errors (than for floating point resolutions).

 

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64-bit floating point processing

Advantages

1. Almost not restricted number summarize/multiply steps  for achieving overflow (then for floating point resolutions).

2. Very low noise level (below -190  dB)

3. Fastest access to RAM (for 64-bit CPUs). Optimal bit size for 32- and 64-bit processors of computers.

 

Disadvantages

1. Most slow calculation performance.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there 64bit audio?

Yes. There are 2 types of 64-bit resolution: integer and float point.

This resolution is used for pro-audio applications prinmarily.

This format allows saving and processing of a sound stream.

Read more...

 

What is 64 bit audio processing?

64-bit audio processing is an audio processing that uses 64-bit computer variables. These variables may be 2 types: integer and float point.
Read more...

 

 

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Read more

  1. What is Jitter in Audio. Sound Quality Issues >
  2. How to Choose the Best Audio Converter Software >
  3. What Is Ringing Audio >
  4. What is dithering audio? >
  5. Bit-Depth Audio and Harmonic Distortions >
  6. Audio as Optics >
  7. What is optimization audio for DAC >
  8. Where is the Limit of Audio Quality? >
  9. Power Conditioner for Audio. It's real advantage? >

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