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Supported Formats
Convert between all major file formats with high quality
Common Formats
MPEG-1 Audio Layer III - the most universal audio format worldwide, using lossy compression to reduce file sizes by 90% while maintaining excellent perceived quality. Perfect for music libraries, podcasts, portable devices, and any scenario requiring broad compatibility. Supports bitrates from 32-320kbps. Standard for digital music since 1993, playable on virtually every device and platform.
Waveform Audio File Format - uncompressed PCM audio providing perfect quality preservation. Standard Windows audio format with universal compatibility. Large file sizes (10MB per minute of stereo CD-quality). Perfect for audio production, professional recording, mastering, and situations requiring zero quality loss. Supports various bit depths (16, 24, 32-bit) and sample rates. Industry standard for professional audio work.
Ogg Vorbis - open-source lossy audio codec offering quality comparable to MP3/AAC at similar bitrates. Free from patents and licensing restrictions. Smaller file sizes than MP3 at equivalent quality. Used in gaming, open-source software, and streaming. Supports variable bitrate (VBR) for optimal quality. Perfect for applications requiring free codecs and good quality. Growing support in media players and platforms.
Advanced Audio Coding - successor to MP3 offering better quality at same bitrate (or same quality at lower bitrate). Standard audio codec for Apple devices, YouTube, and many streaming services. Supports up to 48 channels and 96kHz sample rate. Improved frequency response and handling of complex audio. Perfect for iTunes, iOS devices, video streaming, and modern audio applications. Part of MPEG-4 standard widely supported across platforms.
Free Lossless Audio Codec - compresses audio 40-60% without any quality loss. Perfect bit-for-bit preservation of original audio. Open-source format with no patents or licensing fees. Supports high-resolution audio (192kHz/24-bit). Perfect for archiving music collections, audiophile listening, and scenarios where quality is paramount. Widely supported by media players and streaming services. Ideal balance between quality and file size.
MPEG-4 Audio - AAC or ALAC audio in MP4 container. Standard audio format for Apple ecosystem (iTunes, iPhone, iPad). Supports both lossy (AAC) and lossless (ALAC) compression. Better quality than MP3 at same file size. Includes metadata support for artwork, lyrics, and rich tags. Perfect for iTunes library, iOS devices, and Apple software. Widely compatible across platforms despite Apple association. Common format for purchased music and audiobooks.
Windows Media Audio - Microsoft's proprietary audio codec with good compression and quality. Standard Windows audio format with native OS support. Supports DRM for protected content. Various profiles (WMA Standard, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless). Comparable quality to AAC at similar bitrates. Perfect for Windows ecosystem and legacy Windows Media Player. Being superseded by AAC and other formats. Still encountered in Windows-centric environments and older audio collections.
Lossless Formats
Apple Lossless Audio Codec - Apple's lossless compression reducing file size 40-60% with zero quality loss. Perfect preservation of original audio like FLAC but in Apple ecosystem. Standard lossless format for iTunes and iOS. Supports high-resolution audio up to 384kHz/32-bit. Smaller than uncompressed but larger than lossy formats. Perfect for iTunes library, audiophile iOS listening, and maintaining perfect quality in Apple ecosystem. Comparable to FLAC but with better Apple integration.
Monkey's Audio - high-efficiency lossless compression achieving better ratios than FLAC (typically 55-60% of original). Perfect quality preservation with zero loss. Free format with open specification. Slower compression/decompression than FLAC. Popular in audiophile communities. Limited player support compared to FLAC. Perfect for archiving when maximum space savings desired while maintaining perfect quality. Best for scenarios where storage space is critical and processing speed is not.
WavPack - hybrid lossless/lossy audio codec with unique correction file feature. Can create lossy file with separate correction file for lossless reconstruction. Excellent compression efficiency. Perfect for flexible audio archiving. Less common than FLAC. Supports high-resolution audio and DSD. Convert to FLAC for universal compatibility.
True Audio - lossless audio compression with fast encoding/decoding. Similar compression to FLAC with simpler algorithm. Open-source and free format. Perfect quality preservation. Less common than FLAC with limited player support. Perfect for audio archiving when FLAC compatibility not required. Convert to FLAC for broader compatibility.
Audio Interchange File Format - Apple's uncompressed audio format, equivalent to WAV but for Mac. Stores PCM audio with perfect quality. Standard audio format for macOS and professional Mac audio applications. Supports metadata tags better than WAV. Large file sizes like WAV (10MB per minute). Perfect for Mac-based audio production, professional recording, and scenarios requiring uncompressed audio on Apple platforms. Interchangeable with WAV for most purposes.
Modern Formats
Opus Audio Codec - modern open-source codec (2012) offering best quality at all bitrates from 6kbps to 510kbps. Excels at both speech and music. Lowest latency of modern codecs making it perfect for VoIP and real-time communication. Superior to MP3, AAC, and Vorbis at equivalent bitrates. Used by WhatsApp, Discord, and WebRTC. Ideal for streaming, voice calls, podcasts, and music. Becoming the universal audio codec for internet audio.
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Matroska Audio - audio-only Matroska container supporting any audio codec. Flexible format with metadata support. Can contain multiple audio tracks. Perfect for audio albums with chapters and metadata. Part of Matroska multimedia framework. Used for audiobooks and multi-track audio. Convert to FLAC or MP3 for universal compatibility.
Legacy Formats
MPEG-1 Audio Layer II - predecessor to MP3 used in broadcasting and DVDs. Better quality than MP3 at high bitrates. Standard audio codec for DVB (digital TV) and DVD-Video. Lower compression efficiency than MP3. Perfect for broadcast applications and DVD authoring. Legacy format being replaced by AAC in modern broadcasting. Still encountered in digital TV and video production workflows.
Dolby Digital (AC-3) - surround sound audio codec for DVD, Blu-ray, and digital broadcasting. Supports up to 5.1 channels. Standard audio format for DVDs and HDTV. Good compression with multichannel support. Perfect for home theater and video production. Used in cinema and broadcast. Requires Dolby license for encoding.
Adaptive Multi-Rate - speech codec optimized for mobile voice calls. Excellent voice quality at very low bitrates (4.75-12.2 kbps). Standard for GSM and 3G phone calls. Designed specifically for speech, not music. Perfect for voice recordings, voicemail, and speech applications. Used in WhatsApp voice messages and mobile voice recording. Efficient for voice but inadequate for music.
Sun/NeXT Audio - simple audio format from Sun Microsystems and NeXT Computer. Uncompressed or μ-law/A-law compressed audio. Common on Unix systems. Simple header with audio data. Perfect for Unix audio applications and legacy system compatibility. Found in system sounds and Unix audio files. Convert to WAV or MP3 for modern use.
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RealAudio - legacy streaming audio format from RealNetworks (1990s-2000s). Pioneered internet audio streaming with low-bitrate compression. Obsolete format replaced by modern streaming technologies. Poor quality by today's standards. Convert to MP3 or AAC for modern use. Historical importance in early internet audio streaming.
Specialized Formats
DTS Coherent Acoustics - surround sound codec competing with Dolby Digital. Higher bitrates than AC-3 with potentially better quality. Used in DVD, Blu-ray, and cinema. Supports up to 7.1 channels and object-based audio. Perfect for high-quality home theater. Premium audio format for video distribution. Convert to AC-3 or AAC for broader compatibility.
Core Audio Format - Apple's container for audio data on iOS and macOS. Supports any audio codec and unlimited file sizes. Modern replacement for AIFF on Apple platforms. Perfect for iOS app development and professional Mac audio. No size limitations (unlike WAV). Can store multiple audio streams. Convert to M4A or MP3 for broader compatibility outside Apple ecosystem.
VOC (Creative Voice File) - audio format from Creative Labs Sound Blaster cards. Popular in DOS era (1989-1995) for games and multimedia. Supports multiple compression formats and blocks. Legacy PC audio format. Common in retro gaming. Convert to WAV or MP3 for modern use. Important for DOS game audio preservation.
Speex - open-source speech codec designed for VoIP and internet audio streaming. Variable bitrate from 2-44 kbps. Optimized for speech with low latency. Better than MP3 for voice at low bitrates. Being superseded by Opus. Perfect for voice chat, VoIP, and speech podcasts. Legacy format replaced by Opus in modern applications.
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How to Convert Files
Upload your files, select output format, and download converted files instantly. Our converter supports batch conversion and maintains high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRCAM audio format and where did it originate?
IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique) format comes from the famous French music research institute founded by Pierre Boulez in 1977. IRCAM is prestigious center for experimental/electronic music and acoustic research. The IRCAM audio format was created for advanced music research, electroacoustic composition, and scientific audio analysis - not commercial music production.
Technical nature: IRCAM format (also called SF or BICSF) is simple header followed by audio data. Supports various sample rates, bit depths, and channel configurations. Designed for scientific accuracy and flexibility. Similar philosophy to AU/SND formats but more sophisticated. Used in academic/research contexts where precision matters more than compatibility.
Should I convert IRCAM to WAV or another format?
Reasons to convert IRCAM files:
Specialized Format
IRCAM is academic/research format. Virtually no software outside research community supports it. Convert for compatibility.
Modern Tools
DAWs, audio editors, players don't recognize IRCAM. Convert to WAV for use in contemporary software.
Preservation
Academic audio archives in IRCAM format need conversion to accessible formats for long-term usability.
Scientific Data
Research datasets in IRCAM format should be converted to open standards (WAV, FLAC) for reproducibility.
Convert IRCAM to WAV for archival (preserves quality perfectly). Use MP3 only if distributing music recordings where size matters. For research data, WAV or FLAC maintains scientific accuracy.
What is IRCAM institute and why does it matter?
IRCAM's significance in music/technology:
Prestigious Institution
Founded 1977 by composer Pierre Boulez. Located at Centre Pompidou, Paris. World-leading music research center.
Electroacoustic Music
IRCAM pioneered computer music, spatial audio, spectral analysis. Major influence on contemporary composition.
Software Development
Created Max/MSP (industry-standard music programming), AudioSculpt, OpenMusic. IRCAM format used in these tools.
Scientific Research
Acoustics, psychoacoustics, music cognition research. IRCAM format for scientific-grade audio data.
Composer Residencies
World-renowned composers work at IRCAM. Productions use IRCAM tools/formats. Cultural significance.
Technology Transfer
IRCAM research influenced commercial audio technology. Spatialization, synthesis, analysis techniques.
Academic Network
IRCAM collaborates globally. Universities use IRCAM software/formats. International research standard.
IRCAM format represents intersection of art, science, and technology. Files from IRCAM often have historical/cultural value beyond just audio content.
How do I convert IRCAM to WAV or MP3?
SoX (Sound eXchange): Best tool for IRCAM conversion. `sox input.ircam output.wav` converts IRCAM to WAV. SoX is cross-platform, free, handles obscure formats excellently. For MP3: `sox input.ircam output.mp3`. SoX is audio Swiss Army knife for format conversions.
FFmpeg: `ffmpeg -i input.ircam output.wav` works for some IRCAM variants. FFmpeg's IRCAM support is less comprehensive than SoX but worth trying. For batch conversion, FFmpeg scripting is convenient.
IRCAM software: AudioSculpt, Max/MSP, OpenMusic can open IRCAM files natively and export to standard formats. If working with IRCAM material regularly, these tools provide best preservation of metadata and quality. But they're specialized software requiring learning curve.
What software can open IRCAM files?
IRCAM tools: Max/MSP (music programming), AudioSculpt (sound analysis/processing), OpenMusic (composition environment), SuperVP (analysis/synthesis). These are native IRCAM format tools used in research and composition. Professional/academic contexts only.
Audio utilities: SoX (command-line converter), Audacity (sometimes - support varies), WaveLab (professional editor with broad format support). General audio tools with academic/professional focus tend to include IRCAM support.
Reality check: 99% of audio software doesn't recognize IRCAM. VLC won't play it, iTunes/Music ignores it, DAWs don't import it. IRCAM files need specialized tools or conversion. Don't expect mainstream software to handle this niche format.
Is IRCAM format lossless?
Yes, lossless: IRCAM stores uncompressed PCM audio like WAV. Various bit depths (16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit float) and sample rates supported. When you convert IRCAM to WAV correctly, it's bit-perfect translation - no quality loss. Just changing container format.
Scientific accuracy: IRCAM format was designed for research requiring exact audio reproduction. Lossy compression would compromise scientific measurements. Format maintains full precision for acoustic analysis, psychoacoustic experiments, or archival purposes.
Conversion quality: Use tools that respect original specifications (SoX, AudioSculpt). Ensure output WAV matches source bit depth and sample rate. IRCAM files often contain high-resolution audio (24-bit/96kHz or higher) - don't accidentally downsample during conversion.
Why is IRCAM format so rare?
Academic niche: IRCAM format was created for music research community, not commercial music industry. Small user base (researchers, experimental composers, IRCAM affiliates). No marketing, no commercial distribution - just specialized tool for specific community.
Better alternatives existed: For commercial work, WAV (1991) and AIFF served professional needs with better software support. IRCAM format's advantages (flexibility, scientific precision) mattered only to research users. Most musicians never encountered it.
Geographic/institutional isolation: IRCAM is French institution. Format usage concentrated in European academic electroacoustic music circles. American/commercial music production used different tools. Geographic and cultural factors limited adoption beyond IRCAM's direct sphere.
What's the difference between IRCAM and WAV?
IRCAM vs WAV comparison:
Purpose
IRCAM: music research, scientific analysis, academic composition. WAV: commercial production, consumer audio, universal standard.
Support
IRCAM: specialized software only. WAV: everything plays WAV. Software ecosystem determines usability.
Origins
IRCAM: French music research institute (1980s). WAV: Microsoft/IBM for Windows multimedia (1991).
Flexibility
Both support various bit depths, sample rates, channels. Technically similar capabilities, different ecosystems.
Metadata
IRCAM: minimal metadata. WAV: supports extensive metadata (RIFF chunks, BWF extensions). WAV better for production.
Audio quality identical (both lossless PCM). Difference is software support and intended use case. Convert IRCAM to WAV for compatibility.
Can I use IRCAM files in modern DAWs?
No direct import: Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Reaper, Studio One don't support IRCAM format. You must convert to WAV first. This is consistent limitation - IRCAM is too obscure for mainstream DAW developers to implement.
Workflow: Convert IRCAM to WAV using SoX or AudioSculpt. Import WAV into DAW. Process/edit as normal. Export from DAW in standard format. IRCAM is input-only format in modern workflows - you're rescuing archived audio, not creating new IRCAM files.
Max/MSP exception: If working in Max/MSP (IRCAM's own environment), you can use IRCAM files natively. Max/MSP is modular programming environment, not traditional DAW. Used for experimental electronic music, installations, interactive systems. But this is specialized context.
What is Max/MSP and how does it relate to IRCAM?
Max/MSP background:
Visual Programming
Max/MSP is graphical music programming language. Connect objects with patch cords. Create custom instruments, effects, interactions.
IRCAM Origins
Developed at IRCAM in 1980s (Max), acquired by Cycling '74 (1997), now owned by Ableton. Native IRCAM format support.
Electronic Music Standard
Industry standard for experimental electronic music, installations, interactive art. Used worldwide by composers and artists.
Audio Processing
MSP (Max Signal Processing) handles audio. Max handles MIDI, logic, UI. Jitter adds video. Complete multimedia environment.
Learning Curve
Different from traditional DAWs. Programming paradigm, not recording paradigm. Powerful but requires learning.
IRCAM Files
Max/MSP reads/writes IRCAM format naturally. If you have IRCAM files, Max/MSP is native environment.
Commercial Success
IRCAM format didn't spread, but Max/MSP did. IRCAM's most successful technology export.
Academic Use
Universities teach Max/MSP in electronic music programs. IRCAM format appears in academic contexts.
Modern Relevance
Max/MSP thrives. IRCAM format doesn't. Software succeeded where format failed. Ecosystem matters.
Cost
Max/MSP is commercial software ($10/month or $399 permanent). Not free like Audacity. Professional/academic tool.
Should I preserve IRCAM files or convert them?
Preserve both: Keep original IRCAM files for authenticity and potential future use. Convert to WAV for practical access. Storage is cheap - maintaining both formats costs little and provides maximum flexibility.
Academic value: If IRCAM files are from research projects, compositions, or scientific studies, original format might contain metadata or precision important for reproducibility. Convert for usability but archive originals for scholarly integrity.
Historical significance: Files from IRCAM institute or famous electroacoustic composers have archival value. Like keeping original master tapes, keeping IRCAM originals preserves authentic artifacts. Convert copies, preserve sources.
How do I batch convert IRCAM files?
SoX batch script - Linux/Mac: `for f in *.ircam; do sox "$f" "${f%.ircam}.wav"; done`. Converts all IRCAM in folder to WAV. SoX is best tool for obscure format batch conversion.
Windows PowerShell with SoX: `Get-ChildItem -Filter *.ircam | ForEach-Object { sox $_.Name "$($_.BaseName).wav" }`. Requires SoX installed on Windows. Batch processes folder.
Quality verification: After batch conversion, spot-check several WAV files. Ensure sample rate, bit depth, channels match originals. Bad conversion settings ruin archival value. Test one file manually before processing hundreds.
What other audio formats came from research institutions?
Academic formats: IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), CSOUND (MIT), MUSIC-N languages (Bell Labs), CCRMA formats (Stanford). Research institutions created many audio tools and formats that influenced commercial development.
Legacy: Most research formats didn't achieve mainstream adoption. However, techniques and algorithms from research became industry standards. IRCAM's spatialization research influenced surround sound. Stanford's physical modeling influenced synthesis. Formats died but ideas survived.
Modern equivalents: Today, research uses standard formats (WAV, FLAC, HDF5 for scientific data) rather than creating proprietary formats. Open data movement encourages format standardization. IRCAM format represents earlier era when institutions created custom solutions.
Is IRCAM format still used for new projects?
Rarely: New projects at IRCAM and affiliated institutions mostly use standard formats (WAV, FLAC, AIFF). IRCAM format appears in legacy workflows or when interfacing with old IRCAM software. Not actively promoted for new work.
Max/MSP still supports it: If working in Max/MSP, IRCAM format is available option. However, even Max users typically export to WAV/AIFF for compatibility with other software. IRCAM format is supported but not preferred.
Recommendation: Don't create new IRCAM files unless you have specific requirement (interfacing with legacy IRCAM software, reproducing historical methodology). Use WAV or FLAC for new audio work - better long-term prospects, broader compatibility, more tools.
What can I learn from IRCAM format's history?
Ecosystem matters more than technical merit: IRCAM format was technically fine - lossless, flexible, well-designed for its purpose. But tiny ecosystem meant poor software support and eventual obsolescence. Format success requires critical mass of users and developers.
Open standards win long-term: WAV survived because it's well-documented standard supported by many companies. IRCAM format was institution-specific. For preservation and interoperability, choose open formats over proprietary ones. Future-proof your work.
Cultural context shapes technology: IRCAM format represents French academic electroacoustic music tradition. Different from American commercial music production or German electronic music scenes. Technology embeds cultural values - understanding this helps interpret historical formats and make better choices for current work.