When you change the sample rate, the bit depth, and the number of channels of an audio file, several operations are performed.
- Sample Rate
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After specifying a new sample rate, a sample rate conversion is performed.
- Bit Depth
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After specifying a new bit depth, the file is either truncated down to 8 bits or padded up to 64 bits. For converting to a lower bit depth, we recommend adding dithering.
- Mono/Stereo
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If the file is converted from mono to stereo, the same material is used in both channels. For a conversion from stereo to mono, a mix of the two channels is created.
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If you only want to change the bit depth, you can do this in the Audio Properties section of the Info window instead, and then save the audio file.
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For high quality mastering purposes, we recommend not to change the sample rate and the number of channels using the Audio Properties section, but to use plug-ins and features of the Master Section instead.