Configure FFmpeg Treble Filter Cutoff Frequency and Gain

This guide explains how to use the FFmpeg treble audio filter to adjust the high-frequency response of your audio files. You will learn the correct command-line syntax to configure both the cutoff frequency and the gain parameters, allowing you to easily boost or reduce treble in any audio or video file.

The FFmpeg treble filter is a high-shelving equalizer that boosts or attenuates high frequencies. To configure this filter, you apply the -af (audio filter) flag followed by the treble filter name and its specific parameters.

Filter Parameters

The two primary parameters used to configure this filter are:

• g or gain: Determines the amplification or attenuation in decibels (dB). The default value is 0 dB. Positive values boost the treble, while negative values reduce it. The valid range is -20 to 20.
• f or frequency: Sets the cutoff frequency in Hertz (Hz). This is the point where the filter begins to apply the gain. The default value is 3000 Hz.

An optional parameter, w or width, defines the filter bandwidth in octaves (default is 0.5).

Command Syntax and Examples

The basic syntax for applying the filter is:

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -af "treble=g=GAIN:f=FREQUENCY" output.mp3

Example 1: Boosting Treble

To boost the high frequencies above 4000 Hz by 6 dB, use the following command:

ffmpeg -i input.wav -af "treble=g=6:f=4000" output.wav

In this command: * g=6 increases the volume of the treble by 6 dB. * f=4000 sets the cutoff frequency to 4 kHz.

Example 2: Reducing Treble

If your audio sounds too harsh or has unwanted high-frequency hiss, you can reduce the treble. To decrease frequencies above 3500 Hz by 5 dB, run:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -af "treble=g=-5:f=3500" -c:v copy output.mp4

Using -c:v copy ensures that the video stream is not re-encoded, saving time while only the audio filter is applied.