INTER-SAMPLE PEAK EXPLAINED

In the world of audio engineering, the concepts of "true peak" and "inter-sample peak" are an important one to understand.

True peaks refer to the highest instantaneous levels of a digital audio signal, which can occur during a process called digital-to-analog conversion (DAC).

Conversion from digital to analog occurs every time you play back a song with a digital device (laptop, mobile, iPad, etc.) and this can cause inter-sample peaks.

In this article, we'll explore what true peaks are and how inter-sample peaks are generated.

First, let's define what we mean by digital audio signals.

Digital audio is the representation of a sound that has been converted into a series of numbers that can be stored and manipulated in a computer.

When you playback music from your computer or mobile device (for instance), the digital audio signal is converted back into an analog signal (electric and then acoustic) that can be heard through your speakers or headphones.

During this process of digital-to-analog conversion, it's possible for the signal to exceed the maximum level that the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) can handle.

Generally speaking, to prevent clipping, mastering engineers use limiters, which is a form of dynamic range compression that reduces the level of the highest parts of the signal (peaks).

INTER-SAMPLE PEAKS:

Peak limiting can introduce a new problem called inter-sample peaks.

Digital music is based on samples and bit depth, so when we convert an audio signal into a digital one it looks similar to a stairs shape where the maximum reachable value is 0 dBFS.

When music is converted back from digital to analog (DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion) gets back its original continuous waveform shape.

Now if digital peaks is pushed to 0dBFS, the resulting analog conversion can exceed that level generating a waveform that produces inter-sample peaks (a peak generated between two samples) and consequent possible audio distortion.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT INTER-SAMPLE PEAKS WHEN MIXING?

The answer is no.

Mixing levels are usually very low. It is recommended to keep peaks in a range between -6 dBFS and -3 dBFS on your master channel.

HOW ABOUT MASTERING?

At the mastering stage is very important to handle true peaks as they can lead to audible distortions.

First of all, we need to have a way to measure true peaks and the easiest way is to use a metering plugin that can show you the true peak level of the signal. - These types of meters measure what the inter-sample peak could be and show us the relevant value expressed in dBFS (TP).

Mastering engineers adopt a combination of two strategies to manage inter-sample peaks:

• Use a limiter with true peak detection. True peak detection allows the limiter to look at the samples making the limiter react accordingly when it detects any danger of true peaks.

• Reduce the ceiling (or output) of the limiter. With this strategy, we lower the maximum peak level leaving a bit of headroom for true peaks.

If you want to know more about how True Peaks affect mastering for Streaming Platforms please read the article: MASTERING FOR STREAMING SERVICES (LUFS Normalisation and True Peaks

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, understanding true peaks is essential for producing high-quality masters.

By measuring and managing true peaks in your audio productions, you can prevent clipping and ensure that your music sounds great on a wide range of playback devices.

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