12 bit or 16 bit sound? Camcorder gives these two options.

[bnbhoha]

12 bit or 16 bit sound? Camcorder gives these two options. Which is better and why do they have two? Thanks

[BJ_M]

12 bit is used for 4 track .. 16bit for two track ..

most people use 2 track

[bnbhoha]

Thanks, I'll use the 16 bit then. Curious, the higher the bit- the better the sound too ?

[BJ_M]

yes

for example - dts audio cd's are 20bit

[bnbhoha]

Sorry to resurect this. I'm curious why the default is 12 bit. Every time I record on my camcorder, it has "16bit" displayed. Just wanted to make sure this was the better of the choices and why not set as a default? (does it take more tape or something) thanks.

[thecoalman]

Nope, no more no less tape. I myself have wondered why the default is 12-bit.

[zorankarapancev]

Always use 16 bit sound recording. Some NLS have problem working with 12 bit recorded sound.

[JimJohnD]

The 12 bit is at 32K sample rate, it's used for 4 channel recording. My Sony lets me use CH 1 and 2 for audio while recording the video and 3 and 4 for a 'Voice Over' track. The 16 bit is at 48K sample rate on Ch 1 and 2. This is the default audio sample rate for DVD. So any recording using the 12 bit audio would need converted to 48K for use in a DVD project. I don't know why they all seem to come set to 12Bit 32K audio, if I'm doing a voice-over I'll do it in post.

[Steve Stepoway]

I don't know why they all seem to come set to 12Bit 32K audio, if I'm doing a voice-over I'll do it in post.

I've been told that Japanese commonly use 12-bit 4 track for overdubbing in-camera, so the manufacturers set that to the default. Not a good idea, but ...

[shaynew]

One thing to note is that Premiere (and possibly other NLEs) doesn't like combining 12 bit and 16bit audio in the same project. So don't switch the setting while shooting video you may want to edit togethet later on.

Unless you're using multiple mics while taping you want 16bit.