What is a typical audio peak target in broadcast production?

• A. Around -3 to -1 dB.
• B. Around -12 to -6 dB.
• C. Around -60 to -40 dB.
• D. 0 dB.

Answer: (B)

You’re testing how to set a safe peak level for broadcast audio. In digital systems, the ceiling is 0 dBFS, and you want headroom so the loudest moments don’t clip after processing and transmission. A peak target around -12 to -6 dBFS gives enough space for occasional loud hits and for any downstream limiting or compression to work without distortion, while still keeping the audio loud enough when combined with normalization across programs. Pushing peaks closer to 0 dBFS leaves no room for processing and can cause clipping, while making peaks far too low (like -60 to -40 dBFS) wastes dynamic range and reduces perceived loudness.