Should I dither when mixing to analog first?

[pugman84]

I record at 24bit 96k in ProTools, then mix out to a reel to reel 2-track, then play the 2 track tape mix back into a 16 bit 44.1k ProTools session (for mastering purposes). Should I dither at all during this process? It seems to me you wouldn't have to. In theory, capturing the 24bit 96k mix onto analog tape and then sending the mix back into a new 16bit 44.1k session should not matter, right?

[albee1952]

No dither is needed with your scenario. You only need dither when going from a high bit depth to a lower bit depth while staying digital. I hope you are using some great aftermarket converters.

[pugman84]

Great, just what I thought! I have an Universal Audio 2192. Thanks.

[A2D D2A]

Why not come back at 96 and master at 24/96?

[pk_hat]

Why not come back at 96 and master at 24/96?

I was wondering this myself.
Coming back from the beauty of tape to a meager 16 bit doesn't make much sense at all. Come back into PT at at least 24/44.1!

[Jon Dickinson]

You'll get better results if you bring the reel-to-reel back in at 24/44.1, and then dither down to 16 bit/44.1 for your final master.

[pugman84]

Since the final product will be a 16bit 44.1k cd, I thought this would make the most sense. But now I see what you're saying. 24bit 44.1k would be smarter because when you dither it down to 16bit you would be keeping the original 24bit integrity. I don't have a great mastering sample rate converter, so would this be a poor man's version of good sample rate conversion (going from 96k to tape, back to 44.1k).