When to Apply Dithering

The basic rule is that you should apply dithering when converting an audio file to a lower precision. For example, preparing a 24-bit file for mastering to CD, that uses 16-bit format.

However, even if you are playing back or rendering a 16-bit or 24-bit file to the same precision, you need to apply dithering if you are using any real-time processing in WaveLab Pro. The reason for this is that WaveLab Pro works with an internal precision of 64 bit (floating point) for supreme audio quality. This means that as soon as you perform any kind of processing, the audio data is treated at this high precision instead of the original 16 bit or 24 bit, thus making dithering necessary.

Examples of real-time processing include level adjustments, effects, mixing of two or more clips in an audio montage, etc. The only time when a 16-bit file is played back at 16-bit precision is if you play it without any fades or effects, and with the Master Level faders set to 0.00 (no level adjustment – master level indicator turned off).