glossary
Sample peak reads stored samples, while true peak estimates the waveform between them.
Sample peak reports the highest digital sample value in the audio. It is fast and useful, but it only sees the discrete sample points.
True peak estimates the reconstructed waveform between samples, which can reveal inter-sample peaks that appear during playback or conversion.
A file can stay below 0 dBFS by sample peak and still exceed the limit after reconstruction, sample-rate conversion, or lossy encoding.
That is why streaming and mastering workflows often leave true-peak margin instead of relying only on sample peak.
Use sample peak for immediate digital headroom and true peak for delivery safety. If true peak is higher, lower the ceiling or reduce the source of overs.
Meter Core shows both views so final level decisions do not depend on one peak meter alone.