Yeah, most noise floor issues either happen on extremely quiet samples that have to be amplified in the actual instrument (which are mainly the fault of poor engineering, but can also just be the result of an extraordinary dynamic instrument) or in locations with naturally high noise floors- i.e. concert halls! If you hear noise in samples, I can almost guarantee it isn't the bit depth that's causing it. Bit depth isn't going to do anything to noise that's already part of the signal! High self-noise mics, preamps, occasionally cables, and most importantly - the space - are what cause noise issues. A lot of very high end libraries are very noisy, typically because of the latter, but not always- some expensive mics have self noise orders of magnitude above, say a Rode NT1.
Pianos are the most susceptible, but a lot of percussion instruments come in a close second place.
Pianos are the most susceptible, but a lot of percussion instruments come in a close second place.
Sample library developer, composer, and amateur organologist at Versilian Studios.