SonodexWhat clipping means for DJs
A track with clipping sounds harsh or distorted, even at normal volume. This is usually down to the master: modern productions are made extremely loud, and some files exceed 0 dBFS. On a big sound system it is more noticeable than on headphones.
True peak: the peak between the samples
Digital level meters show only the values of the samples. Between two samples the curve can rise higher, known as inter-sample peaks. True peak takes this into account. Values above 0 dBTP mean that the converter or the sound system can distort. MP3 and AAC in particular produce such peaks when encoding, because compression changes the curve.
For streaming, recommendations often give −1 dBTP as the upper limit. There is no standard for DJ files, but tracks clearly above 0 dBTP are a warning sign.
What you can do
Check new files before they enter the library. Swapping a problem file for another version (original instead of radio edit, WAV instead of MP3) often solves the problem. Pulling the level down afterwards is possible (Trim), but it does not repair a signal that has already been clipped. Also note the bitrate: low bitrates amplify problems.
In practice: checking day to day
Look at the waveform of every new download: a block without dynamics that touches the top line is a sign of heavy limiting. Then there is the measured value in dBTP. Tracks with values above 0 are best played at a gig with a little gain headroom.
Create a separate playlist for conspicuous tracks and look at them before the gig. Swap them if you find a better version. That is far more reliable than rescuing things on the fader live.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
When is a track too loud?
As soon as the peaks are above 0 dBTP or are audibly cut off. Even just below that, a very heavily compressed track can sound tiring.
Can I repair clipping?
Not completely. A better version of the file or a different track is better.