Spek-rs is an acoustic spectrum analyser designed to display the frequency characteristics of audio files. Inspired by the original Spek application, it provides a graphical interface for producing spectrograms from recorded sound.
The application uses FFmpeg to decode audio and generate spectral images. Its analysis is built around FFmpeg’s showspectrumpic filter, which transforms audio signals into visual representations of frequency intensity over time.
Spek-rs is useful for quickly inspecting audio recordings, comparing their frequency content and identifying broad differences in spectral characteristics. Its lightweight interface concentrates on visual analysis rather than audio editing or production.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Generate spectrograms showing frequency intensity over time.
- Use FFmpeg for decoding supported audio formats.
- Generate spectral images using FFmpeg’s showspectrumpic functionality.
- Drag and drop audio files into the application.
- Display spectrograms through an interactive graphical interface.
- Choose between different spectrogram colour palettes.
- Customise legend colours for the frequency and intensity displays.
- Use colour schemes derived from FFmpeg’s spectral visualisation tools.
- Inspect the frequency distribution of recorded audio.
- Graphical interface built using egui.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/patryk-ku/spek-rs
Support:
Developer: Patryk Kurdziel
License: MIT License

Spek-rs is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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