Converting Midi to Audio - File Type for Audio?

[GavinKMusic]

Hi Guys, so I've decided to convert my midi files to audio so I can be sure to lock in the sound I want for each track. Midi seems great to write with but than maybe audio is better to work with after most of the writing is done?

So what would be the best type to convert to? wave? or is there something higher quality?

Many thanks for any feedback on this.

[andygabrys]

whatever you are running your session at, that would be the type to save as. that's kinda self-evident.

i.e. - Logic can use Aif or Wav. If you have the file type set to AIF in the preferences, might as well bounce in place to AIF.

likewise bit depth - if you are running at 16 bit depth (really no reason for that these days) then bounce to 16 bit.

if you are running at 24 bit depth, then bounce in place to 24 bit.

only caveat - some mix engines in DAW's like Protools since verison 10 allow you to run the session at 32 bit depth. This really relates more to headroom in the mixer, as there is about 1 audio / digital convertor out there right now that converts at any higher than 24 bit. So if you choose to save the files as 32 bit float, you have in most cases made the file about 1/3 or 1/2 larger for not much gain.

I am sure there is a healthy debate that can be had on that, but right now 24 bit gives plenty of dynamic range, and headroom.

good luck!

[GavinKMusic]

Thanks Andy. I noticed in Cubase Media Bay the loops seem to be mostly wave. I guess wave is a good standard? seems the quality is still good. I converted some midi tracks to audio wave and then exported as a stereo wave on this piece (uploaded as wave to SC): https://soundcloud.com/the-element-music/alien-seas

[mojobone]

only caveat - some mix engines in DAW's like Protools since verison 10 allow you to run the session at 32 bit depth. This really relates more to headroom in the mixer, as there is about 1 audio / digital convertor out there right now that converts at any higher than 24 bit. So if you choose to save the files as 32 bit float, you have in most cases made the file about 1/3 or 1/2 larger for not much gain.

I am sure there is a healthy debate that can be had on that, but right now 24 bit gives plenty of dynamic range, and headroom.

[loud Barney Stinson voice] CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Keeding, I only think it might be best not to conflate 32/64-bit operating systems with 24/16-bit audio formats. I may be talking outta school, here, cuz I don't do ProTools; I just know that Tracktion has had an internal 64-bit floating-point architecture since version 2 and ran perfectly well on 32-bit operating systems; the modern version runs on either 32 or 64. However, the audio in Tracktion 2 could be captured at up to 192kHz. (the more recent versions only go to 96kHz, rather tellingly)