How to Adjust Audio Pitch in Kdenlive

This article provides a straightforward guide on how to utilize the “Pitch Adjust” parameter inside the clip properties window in Kdenlive. You will learn where to find this setting, how to adjust the pitch of your audio clips without changing their playback speed, and how to apply these changes directly to your project bin source clips.

Step 1: Open the Clip Properties Window

To adjust the pitch of a clip before adding it to your timeline—or to apply a global change to a clip already in use—you must access its properties from the Project Bin.

  1. Locate the target video or audio clip in the Project Bin (usually in the top-left pane).
  2. Right-click on the clip and select Clip Properties from the context menu, or simply double-click the clip.

Step 2: Navigate to the Audio Properties

Once the Clip Properties dialog box opens, you need to access the audio configuration settings.

  1. Look at the tabs at the top or side of the Clip Properties window.
  2. Click on the Audio or Audio Properties tab.

Step 3: Modify the Pitch Adjust Parameter

Inside the Audio tab, you will find various configuration options for the audio channels, sample rate, and effects.

  1. Locate the Pitch Adjust option (in some versions of Kdenlive, this may require checking a box to enable it).
  2. Use the numerical input field or slider to adjust the pitch:
    • Increase the value (positive numbers): Raises the pitch of the audio, making voices sound higher (often referred to as the “chipmunk” effect).
    • Decrease the value (negative numbers): Lowers the pitch, making voices sound deeper and more bass-heavy.
  3. The pitch adjustment is measured in semitones or percentage depending on your specific version of Kdenlive, allowing you to make micro-adjustments or dramatic tone shifts.

Step 4: Apply and Preview the Changes

After setting your desired pitch value, you must apply the changes to update the clip.

  1. Click the OK or Apply button at the bottom of the Clip Properties window.
  2. Drag the clip onto your timeline (if it isn’t already there) and play it back in the Clip Monitor or Project Monitor to hear the results.

Because this adjustment is made at the clip properties level, it is non-destructive. If you need to revert the audio to its original state, simply reopen the Clip Properties, set the Pitch Adjust value back to its default (usually 0 or 100%), and click apply.