Topic: Sony D50 true 24/96?

[stantheman1976]

I got my D50 in today and must say I made a good purchase.  I was wondering if it actually records at a full 24 bit 96 KHz or not.  I know some less expensive devices like the Zoom H2 say 24/96 but don't actually deliver the full amount.  Has anyone tested the D50?

[guysonic]

Just posted a comparison of D50 showing noise with 3 other popular flash models.  It does seem likely the D50 is delivering the 24/96 goods.

See this thread: http://taperssection.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=dc5cb19c3eae03a2a98a47d2a8b6b290&topic=106750.msg1425323#msg1425323

[datbrad]

Actually, I have seen no recorder that shows specs that deliver "true" 24 bit performance with 144db of dynamic range. Technically, there is "true" 96khz sampling, but there seems to be a performance limit of 20 bit actual dynamic range due to analog signal path limitations as listed in the specifications of 24 bit recorders. DSatz should chime in on this one also, as I have seen him post the same conclusion.

[guysonic]

I agree having known this limitation for some time. 

The only advantage of some 24bit decks is their mic/line analog noise is lower than other 24bit models helping get the most out of potential enhancement of 24 bit depth digital processing.

Depending on the characteristic of the analog noise, listeners have proved to hear signals well below the noise floor.  I think the cleaner the characteristic of the analog noise, the deeper and more distinctly audio signals are heard through the noise.

[stantheman1976]

So would I be better off sticking with 16 bit and using SBM?

[sygdwm]

its still beneficial to record in 24 bit for editing purposes.

[guysonic]

I agree there's editing advantage with 24 bit.

Also, never been a fan of SBM processing as to my ears it made stuff sound annoyingly artificial after using it for a short time.