I'm new to digital recording and am trying to figure out what audio format to record in.

The standard audio format for CD is 44.1, 16 bit, correct?

So, when recording, is it better to record your source material in 44.1, 16 bit to avoid having to do a conversion when it comes time to put it on CD, or should you record at something higher, say 96, 24 bit, and convert it when it is time to press to CD?

If this has already been covered, please feel free to direct me to the thread.

Thanking you in advance,

- R

The answer to your first question is: yes, correct.

Conversion is not a problem. It is always better to record in the highest possible resolution and then convert to 16 bit for CD. An ordinary CD mastered from a 24 bit PCM master will sound better than a CD mastered from a 16 bit source.

However as far as sample rate goes, if you are going to ultimately end up on CD, then use 88.2k not 96k. The conversion from 88.2k to 44.1k is much easier (DSP-wise) than going from 96k to 44.1k.

He's right though, use 24 bits.