glossary
Bit depth sets how finely amplitude is stored, which affects noise floor and headroom decisions.
Bit depth describes how many possible amplitude values each sample can store. More bits give the system more room between the loudest possible signal and the quietest useful detail.
In practice, 24-bit recording gives much more workable dynamic range than 16-bit, so you do not need to record near 0 dBFS to avoid noise.
Modern DAWs usually process internally with floating-point math. That gives temporary headroom inside the mix engine, but exported fixed-point files still need sensible peak control.
A 32-bit float export can preserve overs for later repair in some workflows. A 16-bit or 24-bit fixed export cannot store levels above 0 dBFS without clipping.
Use 24-bit for most mix and mastering handoffs. Use 16-bit when a delivery format specifically requires it, and dither when reducing from a higher fixed-point or floating-point source.
Meter Core keeps peak and loudness readings visible so bit-depth choices do not hide clipping, noise, or delivery margin problems.