What is true peak and how does it differ from sample peak?

Sample peak is the highest amplitude value among the individual digital samples. True peak (measured in dBTP) estimates the maximum waveform level between samples after reconstruction during D/A conversion. Because digital audio is band-limited, the continuous waveform can overshoot between samples — these intersample peaks can exceed 0 dBFS even when every sample reads below it. The ITU-R BS.1770 specification defines true-peak measurement using a 4x oversampled interpolator.

Why do streaming platforms specify a true-peak limit?

During lossy encoding (MP3, AAC, Opus) amplitudes can rise further than the input PCM. If the input is already near 0 dBFS, the encoded file clips. Platforms set a true-peak ceiling — typically -1 dBTP — to ensure that after encoding the audio still plays back without distortion on any consumer device.

What intersample offset should I use?

The offset depends on your audio content and limiter behavior. A value of 1.0 dB is a widely used rule of thumb for mixed music. Content with dense high-frequency energy (bright pop, synthesizer pads) often shows 2–3 dB of intersample overshoot. Use 0.5 dB for signals with a low-frequency dominant spectrum. To get an accurate reading, measure true peak directly in a DAW with an ITU-R BS.1770-4 compliant meter (e.g., Youlean Loudness Meter, iZotope Insight, or the free dpMeter 5).

What is the true-peak ceiling for Spotify?

Spotify recommends a maximum true peak of -1 dBTP per its loudness normalization documentation. Tracks that exceed this may be turned down during normalization playback or flagged during ingestion by some distributors.

Does Apple Music require a different ceiling from Spotify?

Apple Music also specifies -1 dBTP as the maximum true peak for delivered masters. Both platforms normalize playback to -16 LUFS (integrated), but the true-peak ceiling is the same at -1 dBTP.

Can a limiter set to 0 dBFS still cause intersample clipping?

Yes. Most software limiters operate on sample values. If the ceiling is set to 0 dBFS, intersample peaks can still exceed 0 dBFS. To prevent this, use a true-peak limiter (one that oversamples internally) and set the ceiling to -1 dBTP or lower. Examples include FabFilter Pro-L 2, Waves L3-LL Multimaximizer, and iZotope Ozone's Maximizer in true-peak mode.

True Peak Calculator

Name: True Peak Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your sample peak in dBFS to see the estimated true peak, available headroom, and how much gain reduction is needed to hit each streaming platform's maximum ceiling.

Signal Input

Sample Peak (dBFS)

The highest sample value shown by your DAW peak meter (e.g. -0.3, -1.0, -3.0).

dBFS

Intersample Offset (dB)

Estimated overshoot between samples. Default 1.0 dB is standard for mixed music. Higher for bright/dense content.

Quick Presets

Sample Peak

—

dBFS

Est. True Peak

—

dBTP

Headroom

—

dB to 0 dBTP

-12 dBTP -6 -3 -1 0 dBTP

-1 dBTP limit

Streaming Platform Compliance

Gain reduction needed so true peak meets each platform's ceiling.

Platform	Ceiling	Gain Reduction	Status

The Formula

True Peak = Sample Peak + Offset

Headroom = Ceiling − True Peak

Gain Reduction = True Peak − Ceiling

All values in dB/dBFS/dBTP. Gain reduction is the minimum attenuation your limiter ceiling must apply.

Why -1 dBTP?

Lossy codecs (AAC, MP3, Opus) can raise amplitude during encoding. A -1 dBTP master ceiling provides a 1 dB safety buffer so the encoded stream does not clip on any playback device or DAC, satisfying AES TD1008 and ITU-R BS.1770-4 guidelines.

Summary

Enter your sample peak in dBFS to see the estimated true peak, available headroom, and how much gain reduction is needed to hit each streaming platform's maximum ceiling.

How it works

Enter your sample peak level in dBFS as reported by your DAW or metering plugin.
Optionally enter an intersample offset (typical range 0.5 – 3 dB) to convert sample peak to estimated true peak; 1.0 dB is the industry default for mixed content.
The calculator derives your estimated true peak (dBTP) and displays headroom against 0 dBFS.
A compliance table shows every major streaming platform, its true-peak ceiling, and the gain reduction (in dB) required to meet it.
Color-coded status badges highlight which platforms your track already passes and which need gain reduction.
Use the Quick Presets to test common mastering scenarios without manual entry.

Use cases

Verify a finished master meets Spotify's -1 dBTP ceiling before delivery.
Determine how much gain reduction a limiter needs to apply to clear Apple Music's -1 dBTP ceiling.
Check broadcast compliance against EBU R128's -1 dBTP and ATSC A/85's -2 dBTP simultaneously.
Teach audio students why sample peak meters are insufficient for modern streaming delivery.
Quickly compare intersample peak behavior across different limiter ceiling settings.
Validate a podcast master against the ACX -3 dBTP requirement before ACX submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu