Audio Glossary
Mastering
WHAT IS
DITHERING?
Dithering adds a tiny, carefully-shaped layer of noise when reducing bit depth (for example 24-bit to 16-bit for CD or some distributors). It randomizes quantization errors so quiet fades and reverb tails stay smooth instead of developing gritty digital distortion. Apply it once, as the very last step, only when actually reducing bit depth.
The one rule: dither last, dither once
Dithering only matters when you reduce bit depth — most often when exporting a 24-bit master to 16-bit. It must be the final process in the chain, after limiting, and applied once. Dither twice (say, at two export stages) and you stack noise for no benefit.
For streaming, most modern distributors accept 24-bit and don't need you to dither at all — deliver 24-bit and let them handle any conversion. Only dither when you're specifically exporting 16-bit. When you do, a good limiter's built-in dither (Pro-L, Ozone, L2) is all you need.
Quick answers
DITHERING FAQ.
Do I need to dither for streaming?
Usually no. Most distributors accept 24-bit masters and handle any conversion. Only dither when you're specifically exporting to 16-bit (e.g., for CD). Deliver 24-bit to streaming and skip dithering entirely.
When should dithering be applied?
Dithering is always the last step, applied once, only when reducing bit depth. It goes after the limiter, at the export stage. Never dither twice, and never dither if you're keeping the same or higher bit depth.
Related terms
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