We chose to perform a test at 24 bits/48 kHz - a format very much used in the professional world - because 16 bits/48 kHz seemed to us to have lost much of its interest. The reason we chose 48 kHz was for quality and since we had the opportunity of quantification on 24 bits why deprive ourselves of it? There was plenty of time to go back to 16 bits if necessary, once the material had been processed. The results were excellent overall.

Frequency response : Little change as far as the response curve was concerned. It was very good and it remains so.

Noise level : The noise was slightly reduced but it was clearly pushing the limits of the card.

Dynamic capacity : This is where there was the most significant progress in comparison with 44 kHz.

Distortion : Statistically, the distortion was reduced but, most important, the result was much cleaner when the spectrum was analyzed.

Intermodulation : The same very noticeable improvement, the intermodulation was substantially reduced.

Stereo separation : Curiously, the diaphony became slightly stronger but it's all relative; in absolute terms it remained negligible.