Logic Pro X — Importing 32 Bit Floating Point Field Recordings

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Logic Pro X — Importing 32 Bit Floating Point Field Recordings

I understand Logic Pro X doesn’t import 32 bit floating point audio as is. The files get dumbed down to 24 bit. But my trusty 24 bit field recorder broke and I’m trying to decide it the new 32 bit floating point recorders serve any advantage.

For me, a properly recorded 24 bits is more than enough dynamic resolution to work with. The appeal of 32 bit float is being able to accommodate and scale down the unexpected peak that goes over 0.

the Tascam PortaCapture field recorder I’m looking at can record at 32 bit float point and “normalize” the recorded files internally to peak at 0. If I import a normalized 32 bit float file into Logic, and Logic converts it to 24 bit, will it sound as good as a recording originally made in 24 bit? Or does something get screwed up in the conversation? I’m not sure if truncation is an issue or not.

Posted on Feb 5, 2022 9:19 AM

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Answer 1

yoyoBen

Level 4

3,415 points

Feb 5, 2022 10:46 AM in response to JTroska

I don't know if you would notice any artefacts playing 32-bit files in Logics 24-bit playback engine. Very likely not.

I'm not sure if normalizing audio files to 0dB is a good idea. Because it's always good to have a bit of headroom for any conversion and playback situation. There is also no advantage in having the files normalized automatically, since the files can be leveled more sensibly later.

Interestingly, Logic can handle 32-bit files when it comes to freezing. Frozen audio files are 32-bit files.

Unfortunately, Apple ignores user requests to include 32-bit file functionality like other professional audio software does, and despite the fact more and more mastering studios ask for 32 bit files.

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Logic Pro X — Importing 32 Bit Floating Point Field Recordings

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