PPM (Peak Programme Meter)

A PPM is a meter that displays the short, peak levels of an audio signal. It is designed to show fast transients so clipping or overload can be avoided, and is commonly used in broadcast and live production as well as multicam recording. In modern multicam audio/video workflows a PPM is often used alongside digital dBFS and loudness meters to ensure individual microphone and camera signals stay below peak thresholds.

In a multicam shoot of a theatre performance, each camera often has a separate microphone input or audio track. During soundcheck you monitor the PPM on the audio mixer or recorder and set gain so the loudest speaker or instrument produces peaks safely below clipping (for example around -6 dBFS in many digital workflows, or according to the PPM reference in an analogue chain). During recording you watch the PPM to spot sudden peaks (like applause or a shout) and quickly attenuate or engage a limiter if necessary.