Comment by manoDev
4 days ago
They make sense for so called audiophiles who don’t understand Nyqist frequency theory.
It’s like photographers who are confused about the difference between raw and bitmap (jpeg), videographers confused about the difference between linear raw vs log vs gamma encoded, etc.
Just because a data format with higher bit depth/sampling frequency/whatever exists for editing purposes, doesn’t mean it’s “better” or makes sense as a consumption format for a finished work.
Nyquist describes harmonic frequency while music can contain non-harmonic oscillations, also Nyquist theory tells about the maximum possible frequency, but this same frequency can be placed in such a way with respect for quantization points that it becomes a silence.
I like your point about editing, because trying to mix too much tracks in 44100 or 48000 makes spontaneus click sounds which are not supposed to be here.
They make sense for sound designers and derivative artists (e.g. sampling, which is a real artform).
Forms of manipulation bring inaudible content into the audible range.
Of course that doesn't mean audiophiles aren't being audiofooled by it, but there is legitimate usage.