Mix notes
Check peaks before your next release
How it works
Sample peak is the largest decoded sample across channels, expressed in dBFS. Estimated true peak uses four-times oversampled interpolation to inspect levels between samples and is expressed in dBTP. Check the original export before making delivery changes, especially when the limiter ceiling sits close to full scale. Both readings come from the loaded audio before player volume, so turning down listening level does not improve the measured master. True peak can be higher than sample peak even when every stored sample is below full scale.
Interpret positive peaks carefully
A positive reconstructed estimate warns about possible playback or conversion risk; it is not proof of audible clipping. Small positive readings near zero also carry meter and interpolation uncertainty, so verify a borderline decision with a trusted meter and a sensible margin. Floating-point files can hold samples above full scale, but fixed-point export can clip those overs unless their level is reduced first. Lossy decoding may also produce peaks above the original samples. Source format matters when deciding what to change.
Choose a practical next step
Review export gain and limiter behavior in the original session. If samples themselves exceed full scale, address that level before fixed-point delivery. If only estimated true peak is positive, examine reconstruction headroom and audition the relevant export rather than assuming the whole recording is damaged. General readiness scores the larger peak excursion once. Spotify and Apple headroom recommendations remain optional and unscored; a clean −0.1 dBTP master can still receive 100% on the technical checklist.
What peak detection cannot establish
A previously clipped recording can be turned down and show safe peaks while retaining distortion. Full-scale samples alone do not establish that damage occurred, and this tool does not identify every clipped passage or perform an MP3 or AAC encode audition. Loudness and waveform shape cannot replace listening for artifacts. Keep the original master available, compare after changes, and treat estimated peaks as one part of delivery review rather than a forensic or certified distortion test.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive dBTP reading prove clipping?
No. It indicates possible reconstruction, conversion or playback risk. Audible distortion requires listening and may depend on the playback or encoding path.
Can a quiet file still contain past clipping?
Yes. Turning down a damaged recording lowers its peaks without undoing distortion. This tool cannot identify every historically clipped recording.
Will the player volume fix measured peaks?
No. Measurements use the source buffer before playback volume. Make delivery changes in the original session and measure the new export.
Why do sample and true peaks differ?
The reconstructed waveform can rise between stored samples. Sample peak is dBFS; estimated true peak is dBTP.