Recording at 16 bits depth is not a crime. It is, after all, what we call CD quality and it perfectly fine from start to finish. I did it that way for years with the earlier Cakewalk DAW's.

The greater bit depth of 24 bits yields more head room which becomes a nice thing to have in the mastering process.

If you start with 16 bits, stay there.... don't convert to 24, because you gain absolutely nothing in the process. Converting from 24 to 16 will be done automatically when you get ready to burn the a CD

Here is a link that everyone in this discussion should read.... we tend to forget sometimes why we are doing certain things....take the time to read it all.

http://tweakheadz.com/16-bit-vs-24-bit-audio/

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.