Mixing & Mastering
True peak represents the highest possible level an analogue waveform can reach after digital-to-analogue conversion, accounting for inter-sample peaks that exceed the digital 0 dBFS limit.
True peak measurement detects inter-sample peaks—brief level overshoots that occur during digital-to-analogue conversion but are not visible in the digital waveform. These peaks can cause distortion or clipping in playback systems even when a file measures below 0 dBFS.
Meters using oversampling algorithms identify and display true peak levels accurately. Mastering engineers typically limit true peak levels to -1 dBTP or lower to prevent distortion on consumer playback devices and streaming platforms. True peak metering is part of the ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R128 loudness standards.
