What is an Inter-Sample Peak?

An inter-sample peak is a moment in a digital audio signal where the actual waveform rises above the maximum level between individual digital samples. Even if the measured sample values do not exceed the digital limit, the reconstructed waveform during playback can still momentarily go higher.

Digital audio is made up of discrete samples that represent points along a waveform. However, when audio is converted back into an analog signal during playback, the waveform is reconstructed between these samples. In some cases, this reconstructed signal can create peaks that exceed the level indicated by the original digital samples.

Inter-sample peaks can cause distortion when audio is played through digital-to-analog converters or when audio files are encoded into compressed formats used by streaming platforms. This distortion may occur even if the audio file appears to be below the maximum level on standard sample peak meters.

To prevent this problem, mastering engineers often monitor true peak levels, which are designed to detect inter-sample peaks. Specialized limiters and metering tools can control these peaks and ensure that the audio remains within safe playback limits.

Inter-sample peaks are commonly managed during mixing and mastering using metering and limiting tools within digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro, helping ensure clean playback across different devices and streaming services.