Audio Glossary
Loudness · aka dBTP, inter-sample peak
WHAT IS
TRUE PEAK?
True peak (dBTP) measures the actual analog peak a signal reaches after digital-to-analog conversion, including inter-sample peaks that sit between samples. It can run 1-3 dB higher than the sample peak your DAW shows. Master to a -1 dBTP ceiling so streaming codecs and consumer DACs don't clip.
Why -1 dBTP is the standard
Your DAW's peak meter shows sample peak — the highest individual digital value. But when that signal is converted to analog (or re-encoded to a lossy format like AAC for streaming), the reconstructed waveform can overshoot *between* samples. Those inter-sample peaks clip the listener's DAC even though your meter read -0.1 dBFS.
Setting your final limiter's ceiling to -1.0 dBTP leaves headroom for those overshoots. Every modern limiter — FabFilter Pro-L 2, Ozone Maximizer, the Waves L2 — has a true-peak mode. Turn it on. It's the single easiest way to avoid distortion you can't hear on your monitors but that shows up on phones and Bluetooth speakers.
Quick answers
TRUE PEAK FAQ.
What's the difference between true peak and sample peak?
Sample peak is the highest digital sample value your DAW shows. True peak accounts for inter-sample overshoots that occur after digital-to-analog or lossy conversion, and can be 1-3 dB higher. Always limit to true peak, not sample peak.
What true peak should I master to?
-1.0 dBTP is the industry standard ceiling. It leaves enough headroom for inter-sample peaks and lossy-codec overshoot so your master doesn't clip on streaming platforms or consumer playback devices.
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