Bit depth

[oldmankit]

I am just getting started with audio stuff and so have a newbie question. What should I set the song bit-depth to? I don't even know of bit-depth is the right word.

I am using the Samson meteor USB mic. The product details say it is:
16-bit, 44.1/48kHz

Does that mean I should select 16-bit and 44.1kHz? Or 48kHz? I imagine there are advantages to using 24-bit, but perhaps not with my modest set-up?

I am mainly doing voice recordings, though will also try it out with a guitar and vocals.

Thanks
Kit.

[oldmankit]

*bump bump*

[Anorton]

You can try 44 or 48. I believe 48 takes up more space, and I don't hear a big enough difference between the two. See if you notice a difference. As far as bit rate, I believe you can set it 24 even if you're using an interface/mic that uses 16. I think Multitrack leaves the empty space "blank". I do everything at 44/16. Using AudioBus requires 16 bit, and AudioBus has become a big part of my workflow.

[pwnified]

Yes, you can use either one, both are extremely high quality. However, if your destination format is 44.1 (CD format), then you should record at 44.1, as this will always be better quality than recording at another samplerate and then converting.

[oldmankit]

Thanks for the advice.

If there are no advantages to using 24-bit with my 16-bit mic, I'll go with 16.

My destination is probably mp3, but I'll choose 44.1 as it certainly sounds good enough.

Thanks again!

[sELF]

'Yes, you can use either one, both are extremely high quality'.
Is that referring to 44 vs 48? Or 16 vs 24
I'm finding tracks originally recorded at 16/44, then up-sampled via WiFi to my MBP at 24/44 sound slightly brighter / fuller.Tempting me to use the higher bit depth (till I can get a 24/96 sound-card).
Would that 'sound quality improvement' be reversed by having to revert to 16/44.1 for any CD production?
Or compression for online distribution?
Thanks.