Spek
Spek is a small audio spectrum analyzer for viewing spectrograms and checking the frequency content of recordings. This page covers import checks, display settings, comparison notes and export-safe interpretation.
What Spek provides
Spek displays a spectrogram so users can inspect how frequency content changes over time. It is useful for a quick recording check and side-by-side comparison, but the view depends on the source, codec, sample rate and display settings; a bright or extended band alone does not establish provenance or audible quality.
Consistent comparison
Compare files with matching duration, sample rate and channel assumptions, keep the same view scale and record the filename beside any observation. Preserve the original recording and use a working copy when converting or trimming files before inspection.
Maintenance note
This page reviews Spek for spectrogram inspection, recording comparison and evidence notes. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave Spek to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save Spek to this cloud drive
Spek spectrogram inspection guide
Open one known recording, confirm its basic properties, inspect the spectrum with documented settings and save a short comparison note rather than an unsupported quality claim.
Before you start
- Prepare an original recording and a separate copy for any conversion or trim.
- Note duration, sample rate, channels and codec when available.
- Decide which frequency or time feature the comparison should examine.
Installation steps
- 01
Import and verify the file
Open the working copy, confirm that the duration and channel layout match expectations and check that no accidental conversion occurred before viewing the spectrum.
- 02
Set a consistent view
Choose a readable frequency range and display scale, record the settings and avoid changing several visual parameters while comparing files.
- 03
Record observations
Mark the time or frequency region of interest, save a screenshot or note with the source filename and compare the result with a known reference when possible.
Quick start
- 01
Separate display from measurement
Treat visible bands as clues for further checking, not as a measurement of perceived quality or proof that a file came from a particular source.
- 02
Compare matching inputs
Normalize the comparison conditions, especially duration and sample rate, so a conversion artifact is not mistaken for a content difference.
- 03
Preserve original evidence
Keep the source file unchanged and store any converted test file beside a note that explains the operation and date.
Usage tips
- Use neutral filenames when sharing screenshots that might expose private recording details.
- Inspect several representative sections instead of judging a long recording from one frame.
- Record codec and sample-rate context with every comparison conclusion.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does the spectrum look different after conversion?
Codec, sample rate, resampling and gain changes can alter the display. Compare the original and converted files with the same view settings and document the conversion first.
Does a high-frequency cutoff prove a file is fake?
No. A cutoff can result from encoding, source material or filtering; use the spectrum as one clue and avoid a provenance conclusion without other evidence.
- Save notes and screenshotsKeep the source filename, display settings and comparison notes together before removing the analyzer.
- Remove SpekUninstall Spek through the operating system and clear caches only after confirming that the original recordings and analysis notes are stored separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does Spek measure perceived audio quality?
No. It provides a spectrogram view whose interpretation depends on the source and settings; listening tests and other evidence are still required.
Can two different codecs produce similar spectrograms?
Yes. A visual spectrum is not a unique codec fingerprint, so compare matching inputs and keep codec and sample-rate context with the observation.
Does the download require an extraction code?
The Quark entry does not require one; the four-character code for the Baidu entry is shown beside its download entry.