problem
Sample peaks can look safe while reconstructed or encoded playback clips.
Digital meters that show sample peak only measure stored sample values. During playback, conversion, or codec encoding, the reconstructed waveform can rise between those samples.
That hidden rise is why a file that never shows 0 dBFS sample peaks can still produce audible edge, crackle, or codec stress after upload.
The risk is highest on loud masters with clipped transients, bright cymbals, dense choruses, or final limiters set too close to 0 dBFS.
Measure the exported file with true-peak metering and listen through a codec preview when possible, because the DAW output is not always the final delivery signal.
Lower the limiter ceiling, reduce clipping before the limiter, or back off the loudness target so transient peaks are not packed against the ceiling.
Meter Core keeps sample peak, true peak, and loudness visible together so streaming safety is not judged from one number.