Inter-sample clipping can occur when the reconstructed waveform exceeds 0 dBFS between sample points even if no individual sample clips

Digital audio is stored as discrete sample points, but the playback reconstruction filter generates the continuous waveform between those points. If a couple of adjacent samples sit right at 0 dBFS, the reconstructed waveform can overshoot between them, clipping in the output even though no individual sample exceeded 0 dBFS. This is inter-sample clipping, most likely with highly dynamic material — a reason to leave headroom and target a ceiling below 0 dBFS.

Examples

Gannon Kashiwa: ‘It’s only getting its information at the sample points, but it’s possible to clip the reconstructed waveform in between those samples.‘

Assessment

Why can clipping occur on playback even though no individual digital sample exceeds 0 dBFS?