How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

I have some older songs that I originally recorded in 16-bit. I would like to re-record in 24 bit, but don't want to start over with a new file (don't want to loose the arrangement or plug-in settings, etc). Ideally, I'd like to be able to convert my current Pro-Tools LE file (7.3.1cs4) from a 16-bit file to a 24-bit file and increase the sample rate from 44.1 to 96Khz. Naturally, after the conversion, I intend to systematically re-record each track. Is there anyway to do this without having to open a new 24 bit file then import each audio file seperately?

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

Dont you just go into "save as" and put in 24 bit?

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

Or import the old audio files into a new 24 bit session.

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

When you do either of these techniques, does it do anything to the sound of the 16-bit files? I have always wanted to do this, but thought that if you converted a 16-bit sound to 24-bits, it would really mess up the sound. I record my initial session on a Mackie 24/96, and the max bit rate I can use is 16-bit, but I have heard that guitars really sound a lot better when recorded at 24-bit. So my plan was going to be to record the drums in 16-bit, convert them up to 24-bit, and then record the guitars, bass, and vox in 24-bit. Does this make any sense, or would I be better off just continuing the session at 16-bit, until I can afford an interface that will allow me to record at 24-bit direct into protools?

Sorry to hijack the question, but hopefully the answers will be helpful to both of us!

R

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

When you convert a 16bit file to 24 all you are doing is adding empty bits to make up the difference. If you're going to be doing any additional processing to the files this is a good thing. The added bits will not degrade the sound.

I would think that it would be a lot better to record things with wide dynamic range like drums at 24bit. Most guitar sounds have less dynamic range than drums, unless your talking about a bright/punchy bass.

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

I've heard that recording Guitars at 24-bit, it really clears them up and makes them shine. Eventually I am planning on updating to a Digi003 with a Firewire preamp so I can get the 8 additional tracks, and then record even the initial sessions at 24-bit. Unfortunately, I was not able to do it before we were planning on recording our new album, so I am looking at the work around. Next year, I will be all set, though!

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

Given the same quality converters I seriously doubt you could hear any difference between a guitar recorded at 24, and 16 at the same input level.

Re: How do I convert my 16-bit pro-tools session to 24-bit ?
 

Realistically, our normal average ears will not hear any difference even if you convert to 24 bit 96kHz. Specially with the semi-pro convertion on the devices we use. That simply said, If you started a session at 16 bit 44.1kHz keep it that way.