32-bit and the new compressor explained

[dug]

While developing version 1 we decided to make RiffWorks store recorded layers as 16 bit integer to save disk space and bandwidth. Mix-to-riff layers have always been stored as floating point so that you didn't lose any resolution. RiffWorks has always used 32-bit floating point for all internal processing like effects and the mixer. Mixing to a WAV file would take that 32 bit mixed data and write it to a 16 bit file because that's what goes on a CD.

The new 32 bit recording option in the AudioSetup window lets the user choose to write layers as 32 bit floating point. This doubles the disk space and the bandwidth required to get these files on and off the disk. It doesn't change the way your old songs sound at all. Once recorded at 16 bit they will remain 16 bit forever. New tracks that you record with 32 bit turned on will sound better. You might not be able to record as many tracks because it takes more disk bandwidth to playback your song.

The new 32 bit mix down option writes a 32 bit floating point WAV file. This is great for taking your mixes out of RiffWorks and into other applications for mastering. It doesn't change RiffCasts, and it doesn't make it sound different when you listen to it in RiffWorks. Using this does make your 16 bit recordings sound better in other audio applications. In blind listening tests, Hayden and I were able to pick the 32 bit file everytime.

Export is also available in 32 bit format now. This allows you to take all your tracks to another DAW and work on them. This feature should help us get more DAW users to try RiffWorks for getting ideas down without worrying about losing quality.

The new Compressor/Limiter does change the way your songs sound played back in RiffWorks, mixed in 16 or 32 bit, and when RiffCasted. We added a Program Dependent detector circuit similar to the legendary Urei 1176. It's like having two compressor with one that is set to really slow and one that is really fast. It allowed us to significantly raise the overall perceived volume and eliminated a lot of pumping and breathing that was inherent in the old compressor when you cranked the output level. Because it is letting more of the transients through, it will make the drums cut through in the mix better. It will sound like the kick is tighter and the snare is snappier. If you used a lot of EQ on the drums to emphasize these things before, you might have to tame that down, or even turn it off.

pbbob did a remix of an old tune that demonstrates this really well, he said he didn't change the mix, he just recasted it:
old:
http://www.riffworld.com/Members/pbbobkanobi/HarmonicGrind
new:
http://www.riffworld.com/Members/pbbobkanobi/harmonic-grind-08

Please let me know if anything doesn't make sense and needs further clarification.

thanks,
dug

[Gerk]

Export is also available in 32 bit format now. This allows you to take all your tracks to another DAW and work on them. This feature should help us get more DAW users to try RiffWorks for getting ideas down without worrying about losing quality.

Very nice. One question ... does this comp only things going out the "mix" bus? Or does it also affect (effect? LOL) exports as mentioned above? I'm one of those DAW users you mention and RW seems to be a great tool for sketchpad work so far but it's pretty important to me, speaking as a DAW user, that the comp would not be on the exports ...

[GuitarSlinger]

Good question. I don't think has been discussed about the exports hitting the limiter, I would think they do not, also mixing to a riff also does not I believe.

On the mix bus the compressor/limiter only kicks on if the audio reaches the -6db or the red area of the output meter, so dialing back the level avoids it altogether.

[Gerk]

I would guess they don't go through the limiter circuit either ... but it's good to know for sure

[blue4u]

The trick many have used here (for the longest time) is to set the master at -6db to avoid hitting the limiter. The new export feature may or may not be routed this way but on mix down we have always watched the meter to make sure the magic red light never shows and usually setting master volume to -6 does the trick. In either case, workarounds are there to be found but it's a good guess that the export doesn't route this way. Let's see if SWW will comment....

[Hayden]

The layers that are exported are not sent through the master output so they are not affected by the compressor/limiter. The backups, like the Instant Drummer and Metronome, are sent through the compressor/limiter on output. We decided to export the drums the way they sound in RiffWorks, while the layers will be exported exactly how they were recorded.

[fooks]

merry christmas everyone!

the 32 bit sounds great but is it only for listening on a ipod or something? we can't write it to a cd?

[GuitarSlinger]

The highest resolution you can write to a CD is 16 bit, 44.1 Khz. DVD audio can be as high as 24 bit, 192 Khz.

[pbbobkanobi]

What the hell is a CD? Is that like one of those old Beta Tapes from the 70's?

[Charvelguy]

lol...a very flat 8 track. Truck stop special: "It been run over by that semi over yonder"