True Peak detection

1. What is true peak detection?
2. Should I turn on True Peak?
3. What's the difference between peak and true peak?
4. What should your true peak be?

What is true peak detection?

True-peak metering takes into account the idea of inter-sample peaks. This means that the actual peak of the waveform is in between two adjacent samples, but it will not be possible to measure it until the signal is converted back to analog.

Should I turn on True Peak?

True peak meters show you all the peaks, including ones that will happen when your song is converted into audio. When checking your mixes and masters for unwanted peaks, you should always use a true peak meter.

What's the difference between peak and true peak?

True Peak: the maximum level that a signal reaches – the “loudest” point in your signal. True Peak is just a more accurate version of peak. It essentially measures peak but at a more detailed level.

What should your true peak be?

It is the recommendation of many streaming services, as well as many pro mastering engineers, that you master your songs to peak no louder than -1 dBTP (-1 decibel true peak).