Inter-Sample Peaks
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Inter-sample peaks (ISPs) occur when the waveform reconstructed from digital samples exceeds 0 dBFS, even if the individual samples themselves do not. This happens during digital-to-analog conversion or sample rate conversion, often resulting in audible distortion or 'clipping' in consumer playback systems despite the digital file appearing 'safe' in a DAW.
- 1.Enable 'True Peak' limiting on your final master bus limiter to detect and suppress peaks that occur between digital samples.
- 2.Use a Loudness Meter with a True Peak (TP) reading rather than just a standard sample peak meter to see the actual voltage levels after digital-to-analog conversion.
- 3.Lower your output ceiling slightly if you are targeting high-loudness (low LUFS) masters, as heavier limiting increases the likelihood of ISPs.
- ×Standard peak meters only measure the value of the samples themselves, missing the peaks that occur during reconstruction.
- ×Aggressive clipping or 'limiting to zero' often creates massive ISPs that sound harsh on cheap Bluetooth speakers or car stereos.
- ×Lossy encoding (MP3/AAC conversion) can exacerbate ISPs, potentially pushing a peak that was at -0.1 dB up by 1 or 2 dB.
Always set your final limiter's output ceiling to -1.0 dB (or at least -0.3 dB) to provide a safety buffer for the reconstruction filters in consumer DA converters.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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