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About Dithering
Dithering helps maintain audio quality when reducing the bit depth of an audio file, such as converting from 24-bit to 16-bit. Without dithering, the conversion process can introduce unwanted digital distortion known as quantization noise.
By adding a very small amount of carefully generated noise during conversion, dithering helps preserve low-level audio detail and produces a smoother, more natural-sounding result.
In Cakewalk Sonar, dithering is applied automatically when rendering or exporting audio to a lower bit depth, as long as a dithering algorithm is selected.
When Does Sonar Apply Dithering?
Dithering is only necessary when converting audio from a higher bit depth to a lower one. Sonar can automatically apply dithering during the following operations:
- Exporting audio to a lower bit depth (e.g., 24-bit to 16-bit)
- Using Utilities > Change Audio Format
- Rendering audio via Bounce to Track(s), Freeze, or applying destructive effects
If the output audio remains at the same bit depth, dithering is not required.
Example
If your project is recorded at 24-bit and you export a 16-bit WAV for CD distribution or streaming, enabling dithering preserves low-level audio quality during conversion.
Dithering Algorithms
Cakewalk Sonar includes five dithering algorithms balancing CPU usage, perceived noise, and audio transparency.
Rectangular
The simplest dithering method. Adds unshaped white noise with the lowest CPU impact.
Best for: Quick rendering and intermediate processing where audio may be dithered multiple times.
Pros: Lowest CPU usage; simple and efficient.
Cons: Higher perceived noise; potential intermodulation distortion.
Triangular
Uses unshaped noise to produce cleaner results than Rectangular while remaining lightweight.
Best for: General editing, Bounce to Track(s), Freeze operations, and multiple rendering passes.
Pros: Low CPU usage; no modulation noise artifacts.
Cons: More audible noise than POW-r algorithms.
POW-r 1 — Balanced Noise Shaping
BandLab Membership:
POW-r 1 is exclusive to active BandLab Membership subscribers.
Offers a balance between CPU usage and audio transparency.
Best for: Final rendering when moderate quality is sufficient.
Advantages: Lower perceived noise than Rectangular or Triangular; lower CPU overhead than POW-r 2/3.
Limitations: Less aggressive noise shaping; not recommended for repeated intermediate processing.
POW-r 2 — Standard for Final Exports (Recommended)
BandLab Membership:
POW-r 2 is exclusive to active BandLab Membership subscribers.
Provides advanced noise shaping and is the primary recommendation for finished projects.
Best for: Final stereo mixes, mastering, and exporting completed projects.
Advantages: Very low perceived noise; excellent overall audio clarity.
Limitations: Higher CPU usage; avoid using during intermediate track bounces.
POW-r 3 — Professional Mastering Grade
BandLab Membership:
POW-r 3 is exclusive to active BandLab Membership subscribers.
Offers the highest level of noise shaping available in Sonar for maximum transparency.
Best for: Professional mastering, critical listening, and ultra-high-quality final exports.
Advantages: Most transparent dithering algorithm; lowest perceived noise.
Limitations: Highest CPU usage; strictly intended for final mastering output.
Recommended Dithering Settings
| Workflow Operation | Recommended Algorithm |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Production | |
| Bounce to Track(s) / Freeze Instrument | Triangular |
| General Intermediate Rendering | Rectangular or Triangular |
| Final Export & Mastering | |
| Export Final 16-bit Mix (Standard) | POW-r 2 |
| Professional Mastering Export | POW-r 3 |
Tip
Apply dithering only once at the end of production whenever possible. Repeatedly dithering the same audio file across multiple bounces can accumulate noise and degrade overall sound quality.
How to Change the Dithering Algorithm
- Open Edit > Preferences.
- Navigate to Audio > Playback and Recording.
- Locate the Dithering drop-down menu.
- Select your preferred dithering algorithm.
- Click OK to apply your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dithering is only necessary when reducing the bit depth of your audio (for example, exporting a 24-bit project file as a 16-bit WAV).
Dithering does not inherently increase audio quality. Instead, it prevents quality loss by masking quantization distortion that occurs during bit-depth truncation.
For most users, POW-r 2 is the recommended choice for final mix exports because it offers excellent transparency while keeping perceived noise low.
If you regularly freeze synth tracks or bounce audio stems during project production, stick with Triangular dithering. It handles repeated processing passes much better than POW-r algorithms.
As a general rule, stick to Triangular during active production phases and switch to POW-r 2 when exporting your completed master.
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