PPM / Peak

– Programme Peak Meter

– Peak Value is the Maximum Wave Amplitude Measured in dB

– Measures in dBu (as in RMS)

– Similar to RMS but it is the Measured “Peak” of a Signal

– Used in Analog & Digital Devices

– Fast Response with a Integration Time of 5ms

– Intended to Reflect How Hard we are Driving a Circuit 

– Instant Response on a Incoming Signal

– Other than a RMS Measurement,  Peak Level Tells us nearly Nothing about Loudness

– has the Focus on the Peaks, i.e. Shows the Peak Level of the Program (Regardless of Duration)

– Peak Meters are Usually Fast and React to All Transients in the Audio Signal

– Maximum Absolute Voltage of Signal

– Peak to Peak would be Absolute Maximum Voltage Deviation (not always Twice the Peak Level)

– Use it Along VU Meter for Recording Purposes to Avoid Digital Clipping

– Other than the VU Meter that Intentionally Slows the Metering and Averages Out the Peaks

– so you Use the PPM Meter to Check the Peaks and the VU Meter to Check the Average