Optimal Audio Recording Levels: Target -18 dBFS RMS & -8 to -14 dBFS Peaks

-18 dBFS: RMS or average loudness levels

-8 to -14 dBFS: Peaks for most genres

-5 to -1 dBFS: Peaks during very short passages (for some genres)

-0.5 dBFS: Absolute limit, anything higher risks audible distortion