glossary
Codec preview helps you catch problems that only appear after audio is encoded.
Codec preview simulates how a master may sound after conversion to a lossy delivery format. It is useful because encoding can change transients, stereo detail, brightness, and peak behavior.
The preview is not a guarantee that every platform will encode the same way, but it reveals risks before the file leaves your session.
Bright cymbals, dense vocals, hard-limited drums, and wide effects often expose codec stress first. Listen for smearing, grain, swirls, dullness, or stereo image changes.
Codec processing can also create new true-peak overs, so level and ceiling decisions should be checked after the preview path.
Place codec preview at the end of the chain or use an export check so the simulation sees the finished master. If problems appear, reduce limiting, soften bright peaks, or leave more true-peak margin.
Meter Core keeps loudness and true-peak readings visible while you decide whether a master has enough delivery margin.