A high shelf is an equalization filter that applies a flat, uniform gain adjustment to the high-frequency end of a spectrum. Unlike a highpass filter which continuously rolls off lower frequencies to zero, a shelf filter plateaus at a set decibel level, creating a step-like frequency response. It is widely used in audio electronics to brighten or darken a signal without entirely removing the treble.
Put a 3 dB high shelf on the output stage starting at 8 kilohertz to add some air to the mix.
Also heard as
- high-shelving filter
Related terms
Highpass
Describing a filter that allows high frequencies to pass through while attenuating lower frequencies.
Lowpass
A type of filter that allows low-frequency signals to pass while blocking higher frequencies.
Equalizer
An audio circuit or device used to adjust the amplitude of specific frequency bands within a signal.