AU File Converter
Online AU File Converter - Instant Download!
Drag your file here to to upload.
Up to 250MB
How to Use AU Audio Converter
Step 1 – Upload AU Audio file
Drag your .AU file or use the browse button.
Step 2 – Choose Format
Select the desired output format from the dropdown list.
Step 3 – Download File
Click "Convert" and download your converted file once ready.
About AU Audio (.AU)
AU files are audio files originally developed by Sun Microsystems for use on Unix systems. They typically store simple uncompressed audio data and are often used in older digital audio applications. These files have become less common as more advanced formats like MP3 and WAV gained popularity. The AU format stands out for its straightforward header structure, which makes it easy to parse.
Technical Details
An AU file starts with a magic number '.snd' that identifies it as an audio file. The header contains information like data offset, data size, encoding format, sample rate, and the number of channels. Encoding formats supported include 8-bit mu-law, 8/16/24/32-bit linear PCM, and others, with sample rates typically ranging from 8 kHz to 48 kHz. The simplicity of the format allows for quick decoding, which was crucial in the early days of networked audio transmission.
Additional Information & Use Cases
AU files were widely used in the early days of the internet and multimedia applications due to their simplicity and compatibility with various software. Despite being largely replaced, they are still supported by many audio editing programs and media players. Interestingly, the AU format can store audio in different encodings, such as mu-law or linear PCM, which affects audio quality and file size. Its legacy continues in niche audio processing tasks and legacy system compatibility.
