Convert before or after bounce

[Bender]

I have read to do it after but if you do not do it won't the bounced file be truncated and not dithered.

I know some guys bounce it inside PT by selecting reimport it into the session.

What is the best way if

You want to send it out to be mastered

You want to do it on the cheap and master it yourself.

Thanks

[Obsidian Dragon]

I've done both convert during bounce and convert after bounce and I don't see/hear any difference. I think the purpose was to save some processing while bouncing to disk by converting after the bounce process.

[Chief Technician]

Back in the days of yore (OS 9), I would see errors during bouncing when convert during bounce was selected. I always use convert after bounce, and never have I seen a bounce error when converting after bounce.

[Bender]

ttt

[BradLyons]

The convert during bounce has given me stability issues once in awhile, so I always do AFTER.....no sonic difference.

[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by Bender

ttt

Bender: What does "ttt" mean? Did we answer your question or is there still something outstanding?

[Bender]

TTT = to the top

If you convert after bounce and you bounced to an interleaved .wav
Didn't you just truncate the file instead of dithering it?

http://www.digitalprosound.com/Htm/A..._vs_Dither.htm

[Majorek]

I convert after bounce but did both & tried both and did not hear any difference. I don't have sonic ears though lol. I suggest you to try both and experiment, but I doubt there's a difference sonically speaking.

[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by Bender

TTT = to the top

If you convert after bounce and you bounced to an interleaved .wav
Didn't you just truncate the file instead of dithering it?

http://www.digitalprosound.com/Htm/A..._vs_Dither.htm

This is technically over my head so maybe someone with some knowledge about this can chime in. As far as I understand, the "Bounce" process sums the active tracks into a single temporary file. The "Convert" process takes that temporary file and saves it with the selected file format (stereo interleave .wav, mono .wav, mp3, etc.) I don't think dithering is done in the bounce or convert process. That is why it is recommended to put a dither plugin at the master mix bus. At least that is the way I was taught. I'm open to being wrong so please feel free to educate me.

[Bender]

Maybe I am not explaining myself good enough. (it would not ne the first time.


When You bounce to the final source .wav, aiff etc if you did not apply dither (convert) it is to late.

If you bounce it into the session and keep it at 24bit you still have to convert it by bouncing again and applying dither.

What am I missing here.

Thanks