What is a peak?
A peak in audio recording and editing refers to the maximum amplitude in an audio waveform. Peaking occurs when audio levels exceed the acceptable range, causing distortion or clipping.
What should audio peak at?
Audio should peak between -6 dB and -3 dB to allow sufficient headroom for dynamic changes so loud sections don’t distort when played back.
What should my mix peak at?
Your mix should peak at -6 dB to provide headroom for mastering. This ensures the mastering process can apply compression, limiting, or EQ without clipping.
What is a good peak dB?
A good peak level is between -6 dB and -3 dB. This range prevents digital clipping, ensuring space for sudden dynamic spikes without distortion.
What is the peak level for recording?
The peak level for recording should be around -12 dB to -6 dB to capture clean audio with enough headroom to avoid clipping while preserving dynamic range for post-production.
What is the true peak before mastering?
True peak before mastering should be between -1 dB and -0.3 dB to prevent distortion, especially when converting audio to compressed formats like MP3, where peaks can overshoot.
How to know if your audio is peaking in Riverside
The volume meter in the Studio screen's People sidebar indicates each participant's audio level. When a participant speaks, if the meter's maximum level is consistently peaking on the right (high) end of the meter or only at the left (low) end, then they should adjust their device's settings or reposition their mic.
