Logic Pro’s recent update adds support for 32-bit floating audio files. This is news for one reason. 32-bit float files are a professional standard, but they’re not THE professional standard.
If you’re wondering if you should be using them, the answer is almost certainly “heck no.” 32-bit files are for storing information that won’t fit in a smaller 24-bit container. It’s useful when you’re doing things like combining tracks. When you add tracks together, a 32-bit file allows you to hold on to the information.
Which is why your DAW is already using 32-bit files internally. It’s not about sound quality, it’s about extra space. A DAW needs to be able to look at lots of tracks together and still zoom out and see the big picture.
It’s unnecessary for an individual track. So yay, professional platforms need to support professional standards, but we’ve all been enjoying 32-bit floating math all along internally. There were a handful of you who really needed this feature.
You already know who you are and why. And if you want a seat in my upcoming Logic class, reach out or share this post with someone who belongs in a Beat Kitchen class.
