16 bit vs 24 bit

I'm thinking about getting a USB Pre for my condenser mic. I can get a 16 bit or a 24 bit. Which one is better? Is 24 bit better? If so, why? Whats the difference? I'm just using it for some home / laptop recording for when i'm on the road.

Thanks,

d

Technically I can't give you a good answer, but basically 24 bit recording records more "bits" of information. The sound is noticeably, although not dramatically, clearer and bigger. If you are just concerned with getting a decent clean recording, don't sweat it. If you are a little more interested in upping the sound quality and using a studio-standard record rate (24 bit 44.1khz, 24/48. or 24/96) then go for it. Though remember that just because something records at 24bits doesn't mean it is designed well or sounds good.

jontakiff wrote: Though remember that just because something records at 24bits doesn't mean it is designed well or sounds good.

good advice...

24 bits is technically better BUT as Jontakiff said a good 16 bit device will sound better then a shitty 24 bit device so......! To give you a bit of an analogy to decribe the difference between 16 bit and 24 bit, if you had to describe yourself in 16 words you'd probably get a real good idea of your character but if you had 24 words you'd get an even better idea of your chartacter.