Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: ffmpeg returns error cur_dts is invalid when converting mp3 to ogg

FFmpeg error cur_dts is invalid when converting mp3 to ogg.

Quick Answer: Check the audio format and ensure that the input file has a valid timestamp. Try adding the '-async 1' option to fix the issue.

The error 'cur_dts is invalid' occurs when converting MP3 to OGG using FFmpeg. This issue affects users who are trying to normalize the audio levels and remove silence from their audio files.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents the user from successfully converting their audio file, resulting in an incomplete or corrupted output.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary cause of this error is due to the incorrect usage of the 'loudnorm' filter. The 'loudnorm' filter requires a specific set of parameters to function correctly, and if these parameters are not met, it can result in an invalid 'cur_dts' value.
  • Another possible cause could be related to the 'silenceremove' filter. If the 'start_periods', 'start_duration', or 'start_threshold' parameters are not set correctly, it can lead to an invalid 'cur_dts' value.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Correcting the loudnorm filter usage

  1. Step 1: Check if the '-afilters' option is used correctly. Make sure that the audio filters are in the correct order and that all parameters are specified.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the 'loudnorm' filter is being used with the correct parameters, such as '-afilters loudnorm=silenceremove=start_periods=1:start_duration=1:start_threshold=-60dB:detection=peak,aformat=dblp,areverse'.
  3. Step 3: If necessary, adjust the parameters of the 'loudnorm' filter to match the requirements of the input audio file.

Adjusting silenceremove filter parameters

  1. Step 1: Check if the 'start_periods', 'start_duration', or 'start_threshold' parameters are set correctly in the 'silenceremove' filter.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the 'detection' parameter is set to 'peak' as required by the 'loudnorm' filter. If not, adjust it accordingly.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the error 'cur_dts is invalid' when converting MP3 to OGG using FFmpeg, ensure that the 'loudnorm' and 'silenceremove' filters are used correctly, with the correct parameters specified. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully convert your audio file without encountering this error.

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