Apply Graphic EQ with FFmpeg Superequalizer

This article explains how to use the superequalizer audio filter in FFmpeg to adjust specific frequency bands of an audio file. You will learn the command syntax, the mapping of the 18 frequency bands, and practical examples for boosting bass or treble to customize your audio output.

The superequalizer is an 18-band graphic equalizer tool implemented as an audio filter in FFmpeg. Unlike the standard equalizer filter, which only targets one frequency at a time, superequalizer allows you to adjust 18 fixed frequency bands simultaneously using a single command.

The 18 Frequency Bands

Each band is represented by a parameter from 1b to 18b. The frequencies correspond to the following bands:

• 1b: 65 Hz
• 2b: 92 Hz
• 3b: 130 Hz
• 4b: 184 Hz
• 5b: 260 Hz
• 6b: 370 Hz
• 7b: 520 Hz
• 8b: 730 Hz
• 9b: 1030 Hz
• 10b: 1450 Hz
• 11b: 2050 Hz
• 12b: 2900 Hz
• 13b: 4100 Hz
• 14b: 5800 Hz
• 15b: 8200 Hz
• 16b: 11500 Hz
• 17b: 16300 Hz
• 18b: 23000 Hz

Understanding the Filter Parameters

Each band parameter accepts a float value ranging from 0.0 to 20.0. * 1.0 is the default value, representing unity gain (no change to the audio). * Values between 0.0 and 1.0 attenuate (cut) the frequency. For example, 0.0 completely silences the band. * Values greater than 1.0 amplify (boost) the frequency. For example, 2.0 doubles the signal level of that band.

Basic Command Syntax

To apply the filter, use the -af (audio filter) flag followed by superequalizer and your desired band values separated by colons:

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -af "superequalizer=1b=1.5:2b=1.5:17b=2.0:18b=2.0" output.mp3

In this command, any band not explicitly defined remains at the default value of 1.0.

Practical Examples

1. Bass Boost To boost the low-end frequencies (65 Hz to 184 Hz), increase the values of the first four bands:

ffmpeg -i input.wav -af "superequalizer=1b=2.5:2b=2.2:3b=1.8:4b=1.5" output.wav

2. Treble Boost To make the audio sound brighter, boost the high-end frequencies (8200 Hz to 23000 Hz):

ffmpeg -i input.wav -af "superequalizer=15b=1.5:16b=2.0:17b=2.5:18b=2.5" output.wav

3. Vocal/Mid-Range Cut To reduce mid-range frequencies (often useful to reduce harshness in vocals around 1 kHz to 2 kHz):

ffmpeg -i input.wav -af "superequalizer=9b=0.5:10b=0.5:11b=0.6" output.wav