Hello,

We'll see if I can be somewhat concise and still accurate. For more, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dither

Dithering is the process to convert a larger bit file to a smaller one. 24 bit to 16 bit.

Dithering should only be used as a last step in mastering. Personally I use the UV-22 plugin as the last insert on my stereo output buss and set it to 16 bit when I am mixing down for a CD.

If you do not dither, the word lengths of the audio files can be truncated (cut off) when you are making a bit change in the export (your files are recorded in 24 bit, export is 16 bit).

There is a very, very bar bones explanation.

For mastering I really enjoyed Bob Katz's book: http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Audio-Se...2685&sr=8-1

I hope this helps.