For several years now, in this constantly evolving digital era, I’ve been recommending that the artists, musicians, and producers I work with distribute their music in 24-bit. Why this insistence? I’ve decided to write this to simply explain the reasoning behind this recommendation and why it’s so crucial for the quality of your work.
I don’t want to get into debates about whether the difference between 16-bit and 24-bit is always obvious to every listener. What is clear, and what any sound engineer with a good audio system can confirm, is that we can indeed differentiate between 16-bit and 24-bit. While the distinction might be more subtle in some musical genres than others, there’s no doubt that the 24-bit format offers higher resolution. This becomes especially evident in details like the tails of reverbs or the definition of the stereo image, where the additional 24-bit information makes a noticeable difference.
Prepared for the Future and Versatility.
Although many distributors still deliver audio at 16-bit, the trend is clear: the industry is moving towards higher resolution standards. By distributing your music in 24-bit, you are:
- Ensuring the longevity of your audio: Your music will be ready for future high-resolution formats. For example, Spotify plans to launch its HiFi option this year, which will make 24-bit masters even more relevant.
- Optimizing for current codecs: It’s important to understand that the audio codecs used by streaming platforms (even for compressed files) are designed to make the most of every bit of information you provide them. By giving them a 24-bit file, these codecs have more data to work with, resulting in more efficient compression and better final quality, even in lower-resolution formats.
- Offering the best quality for your masters: Streaming services that already offer high-resolution audio (like Tidal Master or Apple Music with High-Resolution Lossless Audio) can fully leverage your 24-bit files, providing your listeners with the most premium experience possible.
- Providing the best source for different formats: Starting with a 24-bit master makes it much easier, with less loss of quality, to generate 16-bit versions or even compressed formats (like MP3).
Ultimately, opting for 24-bit is a declaration of professionalism and a commitment to maximum quality, ensuring your music is preserved and heard in its purest, most detailed form, today and always.