True Peak / True Peak Level / TP

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The actual maximum level of an audio signal including inter-sample peaks that occur between digital samples – measured in dBTP (decibels True Peak) to prevent clipping during digital-to-analog conversion, essential for broadcast loudness compliance and streaming delivery.

What is True Peak?

True Peak refers to the actual peak level of an audio signal, including peaks that can occur between digital samples. These inter-sample peaks can lead to clipping during D/A conversion – True Peak Limiting prevents this.

Basic Principle

Aspect	Description
Definition	True maximum level
Problem	Inter-sample peaks
Measurement	dBTP (True Peak)
Goal	Clipping avoidance

Sample Peak vs. True Peak

Type	Description
Sample Peak	Sample values only
True Peak	Reconstructed signal
Difference	Up to +3 dB
Relevance	At high levels

Inter-Sample Peaks

Aspect	Explanation
Occurrence	Between samples
Cause	Signal reconstruction
Problem	Clipping in the DAC
Solution	Oversampling measurement

Measurement

Method	Description
Oversampling	4x or higher
Interpolation	Calculate intermediate values
ITU-R BS.1770	Standard
Meter	True Peak display

Standards

Standard	True Peak Limit
EBU R128	-1 dBTP
ATSC A/85	-2 dBTP
Netflix	-2 dBTP
Spotify	-1 dBTP

Platform Requirements

Platform	Specification
Broadcast TV	-1 to -2 dBTP
Cinema	Variable
Streaming	-1 to -2 dBTP
Podcast	-1 dBTP

True Peak Limiting

Limiter	Function
ISP Limiter	Inter-Sample Peak
True Peak Mode	In standard limiters
Oversampled	Higher precision
Lookahead	Predictive

Software Tools

Tool	True Peak Feature
iZotope RX	True Peak Limiter
FabFilter Pro-L	True Peak Mode
Waves L2	True Peak Option
Nugen Audio	ISP Limiter

Metering

Meter Type	Description
PPM	Traditional, inaccurate
Sample Peak	Samples only
True Peak	Accurate display
Loudness Meter	Combined

Workflow

Phase	Activity
Mix	Leave headroom
Mastering	True Peak Limiting
QC	Verify measurements
Delivery	Check compliance

Headroom

Recommendation	Reason
-1 dBTP	Safe standard
-2 dBTP	More conservative
-0.1 dBTP	Only if necessary
Never 0	Always avoid

Sources of Error

Problem	Cause
Clips	Insufficient limiting
Pumping	Too aggressive
False Reading	Incorrect metering
Rejection	Non-compliance

Solutions

Problem	Solution
Clipping	True Peak limiter
Over-Limiting	Less compression
Measurement Errors	Calibrated meters
QC Fail	Correction/Re-master

Quality Control

Check	Tool
True Peak	Analyzer
Loudness	LUFS Meter
Compliance	QC Software
Report	Documentation

Best Practices

Practice	Reason
Measure	Always True Peak
Headroom	Safety margin
Limiter Choice	True Peak capable
Document	For delivery

Today

True Peak is an indispensable standard for professional audio production. With the dominance of streaming platforms and their strict loudness requirements, True Peak compliance is no longer an option, but a necessity. Modern limiters and metering tools make adherence easy, provided they are used correctly.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

True Peak betrifft hauptsächlich die Tonpost, aber als DP achte ich darauf, dass meine Kamera-Audio-Einstellungen ausreichend Headroom für die spätere Bearbeitung lassen.

Director

True Peak ist ein technischer Standard, der sicherstellt, dass mein finaler Mix auf allen Plattformen ohne Verzerrung wiedergegeben wird – ein unsichtbares aber wichtiges Detail der Qualitätssicherung.

Producer

True Peak Compliance ist Pflicht für Broadcast und Streaming. Nicht-konforme Deliverables werden abgelehnt oder automatisch korrigiert, was die Tonqualität beeinträchtigen kann.