Why do higher bitrates produce an overall lower volume? | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

gilsont · Aug 29, 2013 at 8:21 AM

Hi,

Recently I noticed all my 24bits tracks are all lower volume than my 16bit tracks (from the same song).

I'm currently using Foobar (with the replaygain turned off).

My setup is various headphones into Fiio E17 to computer.

TMRaven · Aug 29, 2013 at 8:50 AM

That's not the 24bit's fault, that's just a different mastering of the specific recordings that is either lower volume overall or a higher dynamic range. You can check the difference out in a simple waveform editor like audacity.

Slogra · Aug 30, 2013 at 5:00 AM

Yeah, you should check the waveform and you will notice 99% of all (new) CD's have clipping all over the place. Louder is NOT better!

PleasantSounds · Aug 30, 2013 at 5:02 AM

As TMRaven said, recording with the lower average volume allow for higher volume spikes without compression or clipping (dynamic range). You should be happy if that is the case, as it means that the mastering is making a better use of the available range. Note that on any half decent amp the lower recording volume does not result in any audible background noise when you increase the volume back to your normal listening level.

gilsont

100+ Head-Fier

TMRaven

Headphoneus Supremus

Slogra

100+ Head-Fier

PleasantSounds

Headphoneus Supremus

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