How to know when your audio is really clipping?

[ChildrensChoice211]

Hello so I use rokit 6 monitors and Audio techinca m40x and when I listen to my audio I don't hear any clipping. However, despite hearing no clipping on either monitor system, the input is clipping.  The recorder is a tascam DR-10L with my settings having auto, limiter, and dual record on for a separate -6db version.   It says the input is clipping in audition but I think even without a limiter the output isn't clipping? I can't remember what the settings were on the daw audio track as this was a question I had a while back but never asked.  But the input has almost always said that there's clipping with every new recording/project I work on. If I lower the volume or use a limiter in my daw, and I can't hear any clipping whatsoever, is it safe to say there isn't any "perceived" clipping that any non-audio savvy person would be able to hear?

I do hear clipping sometimes if the subject yells or laughs really loud, and I mix in/replace the -6db version for those parts, but there aren't that many times I hear clipping.

[Moderator note: moved to best forum.]

[ryclark]

Where does Audition tell you that the input is clipping?

[ChildrensChoice211]

In the input meter on the left side (At least on my setup that's where it is).  Under effects rack there is a input and output for the track

[SteveG_AudioMasters_ · Accepted solution]

If you are lifting the file directly from the Tascam, opening it in Audition and it says that the file is clipped, the initially I'd turn down the mic gain on the recorder, as it sounds as though you've left no headroom whatsoever. Normal record levels on digital recorders shouldn't have the signal getting anywhere near 0dB; -12dB would be more like it!