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Difference Between 8-Bit and 16-Bit Music
In context of music, 8-bit and 16-bit represent the bit depth of the digital audio. Hence, the most fundamental difference between 8-bit and 16-bit music in their bit depth that is, the 8-bit music has a bit depth of 8-bits, i.e. each music sample is represented by using 8-bits, while the 16-bit music has a bit depth of 16-bits.
In this article, we will discuss the important differences between 8-bit music and 16-bit music, but before that let us first discuss their basics.
What is 8-Bit Music?
8-bit music is a type of digital audio that uses 8 bits to represent each sample of the music. The 8-bit music format was very popular in electronic devices like computer’s sound chips, gaming consoles, etc. of 1980s and early 1990s.
8-bit music is mainly a synthesized electronic music that is produced with electronic sound chips used in computers and gaming consoles. This audio format is simple to create and less costly. Therefore, it is mainly used in electronic gadgets that need basic music capabilities. As the 8-bit music uses a smaller number of bits to represent each sound sample, hence its file size is smaller. However, 8-bit music is relatively less accurate and has more errors because it uses only (28) 256 possible values to represent each music sample.
What is 16-Bit Music?
A type of digital music format that requires 16-bits to represent each music sample is referred to as a 16-bit music. 16-bit audio format uses (216) 65,536 possible values to represent each music sample, therefore, it has much higher accuracy.
Consequently, 16-bit music offers a higher dynamic range and a more detailed representation of the original music than 8-bit music. Due to the high accuracy and fidelity of the 16-bit music, it has become a standard digital audio format for many audio applications like CDs, DVDs, digital audio workstations, etc. However, 16-bit music uses a greater number of bits to represent each music sample, hence it consumes more storage space.
After getting an overview of 8-bit music and 16-bit music, let us now understand their important differences.
Difference between 8-Bit Music and 16-Bit Music
The following table highlights all the significant differences between 8-bit music and 16-bit music −
Parameter |
8-Bit Music |
16-Bit Music |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
A type of electronic music style that requires 8-bit to represent each music sample is referred to as an 8-bit music. |
A type of electronic music style that requires 16-bits to represent each music sample is referred to as a 16-bit music. |
Number of bits |
8-bit music requires 8-bits (bit depth) to represent each sound sample. |
16-bit music requires 16-bits (bit depth) to represent each sound sample. |
Possible values |
8-bit music uses only 256 possible values to represent each music sample. |
16-bit music uses 65, 536 possible values to represent each music sample. |
Also known as |
8-bit music is also known as Chiptune or Chip music. |
16-bit music is also known as Tracked Music. |
File size |
8-bit music uses lesser number of bits; hence it has a smaller file size. |
16-bit music uses higher number of bits; hence it has a larger file size. |
Accuracy |
8-bit music is less accurate. |
16-bit music is more accurate. |
Errors |
8-bit music has more errors. |
16-bit music has less errors. |
Flexibility |
8-bit music is less flexible to process and edit. |
16-bit music offer higher flexibility in processing and editing. |
Sound level |
8-bit music has lower sound level. |
16-bit music has higher sound level. |
Naturalness |
8-bit music is less natural than 16-bit music. |
16-bit music is more natural and closer to original sound. |
Implementation complexity |
8-bit music is simpler to implement. |
16-bit music is comparatively complex to implement than 8-bit music. |
Storage required |
8-bit music requires less space to store files. |
16-bit music require more space to store files. |
Versatility |
8-bit music is less versatile than 16-bit music. Hence, it can be used for a limited range of applications. |
16-bit music is more versatile as it can be in a wide range music application. |
Dynamic range |
8-bit music has a smaller dynamic range, typically up to 42 dB. |
16-bit music has a higher dynamic range, typically up to 96 dB. |
Price |
8-bit music format is less costly. |
16-bit music is more costly than 8-bit music. |
Applications |
8-bit music was very commonly used in 1980s in home computers, gaming consoles, Chiptune music, mobile games, etc. |
16-bit music is generally used in music production, film and TV soundtracks, modern video games, etc. |
Conclusion
Both 8-bit and 16-bit music are widely used in several applications such as music production, gaming soundtracks, etc. The most significant difference between 8-bit and 16-bit music is that 8-bit music has a bit depth of 8-bits, whereas the 16-bit music has a bit depth of 16-bits. Therefore, 16-bit music is more natural and accurate than 8-bit music.
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