Updated October 2026 · Loudness and levels
True peak is the highest level the audio reaches when it is turned back into a smooth wave, including the moments between the stored samples. A file can look safe on a sample peak meter and still clip after conversion, so check the true peak of the exported file.
Digital audio stores a series of samples, which are measurements taken at regular points in time. A simple peak meter reads those samples. But the sound that comes out of a speaker is a smooth wave, and that wave can rise higher between the samples. When it does, the output can clip even though the meter never reached the top.
Imagine two samples that are both just below full scale. The wave between them can rise above full scale, and a converter or a lossy encoder can overshoot. The result is a distorted sound that the sample meter did not show. This happens most with loud, dense mixes, and it can also happen after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
True peak estimates the highest level of the reconstructed wave, including the moments between samples. It is measured in dBTP, which is a dB figure relative to full scale. A true peak below zero means the file should not clip in normal playback, though the exact margin you want depends on the format and the platform.
Headroom is the gap between the loudest moment and full scale. A small margin, such as a few decibels for speech, protects the sound when it is converted or played on a device that adds its own processing. The LUFS meter can show the true peak of a finished file alongside its loudness.
True peak is an estimate. Different tools calculate it in slightly different ways, and some platforms apply their own processing on playback. Use it as a safety check, and listen to the final file on a phone and on headphones before you publish.
Integrated LUFS, true peak and streaming targets. Runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
The sample meter misses the peaks between samples. Check the true peak of the exported file.
It is the true peak level in decibels relative to full scale. A value below zero means no peak reaches full scale.
Yes, if the voice is loud or heavily processed. It is a quick check that prevents distortion.
A limiter can reduce peaks, but use it lightly, or the speech will sound squashed.
