
CHAPTER 30. AUDIO FACT SHEET 370
transposition in a given Set. The algorithm behind the Hi-Q switch was rewritten for Live 7,
and now results in considerably lower distortion than in previous versions.
30.3.2 Volume Automation
Automation of volume level results in a change in gain, which is necessarily a non-neutral
operation. But certain implementations of automation envelopes can result in audible
artifacts, particularly if the envelopes are not calculated at a fast enough rate. Since Live 7,
volume automation curves are updated for each audio sample, resulting in extremely low
levels of distortion.
30.3.3 Dithering
Whenever rendering audio to a lower bit depth, it is a good idea to apply dithering in order
to minimize artifacts. Dithering (a kind of very low-level noise) is inherently a non-neutral
procedure, but it is a necessary evil when lowering the bit resolution.
Please note that Live's internal signal processing is all 32-bit, so applying even a single gain
change makes the resulting audio 32-bit as well even if the original audio is 16- or 24-bit.
Dither should never be applied more than once to any given audio le, so unless you are
mastering and nalizing in Live, it is best to always render at 32-bit and avoid dithering
altogether.
30.3.4 Recording external signals (bit depth < A/D converter)
Recording audio signals into Live is a non-neutral operation if the bit depth set in Live's
Preferences window is lower than that of the A/D converters used for the recording. This is
not recommended.
30.3.5 Recording internal sources below 32 bit
Audio that is recorded via internal routing will lose quality if the recording is made at
a bit depth below 32 bits. To ensure neutral recordings of plug-in instruments and any
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