Question

Does "Convert Files..." applies Dithering? If you are going to convert 32bit float tracks into 24bit FLAC, for example.

By the way – good idea to save disk space is to convert all wav files in Pool into FLACs, especially if you have a lot of silent points in your tracks. The only problem – it will take some time to clean up unused files, because WAVs will not be deleted automatically and will not be found by "Remove unused files..." And another issue is described here – all bounces will be 32bit float, even if the song was recorded in 24bit. I don't know if it will be loss of quality by bounce 24bit source into 32bit and convert it back to 24bit?

Answer 1

According to the support article it is applied whenever the bit depth is reduced, so we would assume that may apply universally but at this time have no specific or definitive information if it applies from 32-bit float to 24-bit.

http://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210050343-Studio-One-3-Advanced-Options-Overview

• Use Dithering for Audio Devices and Audio File Export is engaged by default, and means that triangular dithering (with no noise-shaping) is applied when the audio signal’s bit depth is reduced from a higher bit depth by a device or during file export. Turn this off if you would like to use a third-party dithering solution, such as a limiter Insert effect on the main output that has built- in dithering with characteristics you prefer.

To your other question, converting to 32-bit float (when bouncing) and then back to 24-bit later should not result in any loss of quality.   Bouncing to 32-bit float is largely to remove any remote possibility of a file clipping during a direct bounce.