.32s — 32-bit Stream Audio
Various · 1990s
.32s is an uncompressed audio format commonly found in older video games, known for its high fidelity and large file sizes.
Key Features
- Uncompressed audio data for high fidelity.
- Typically uses 32-bit sample depth.
- Simple structure, easy for hardware to read.
- Large file sizes due to lack of compression.
Best For
- Situations requiring the absolute highest fidelity raw audio.
- Platforms with limited decoding capabilities but ample storage.
- Archival of source audio before compression.
Less Ideal For
- Web streaming due to large file size.
- Mobile devices with limited storage space.
- Any application where file size is a significant concern.
- Distribution to end-users without specialized software.
Common Use Cases
- Background music in retro video games.
- Sound effects in legacy multimedia applications.
- Archival of raw audio samples in specific hardware contexts.
- Prototyping simple audio playback systems.
How to Open It
- Use audio editing software like Audacity, often requiring specific import plugins.
- Many media players, such as VLC, might support .32s files if configured correctly or with additional codecs.
- Game emulators or tools designed for specific retro platforms might be able to extract or play these audio files directly.
What is a .32s file?
.32s files are a type of uncompressed audio format primarily used in older video game systems and some multimedia applications. They store raw audio data, meaning each sample is directly represented without any compression applied. This results in high fidelity but also large file sizes compared to compressed formats. While not common today, it was a straightforward way to handle audio in a time when processing power was limited. Understanding its uncompressed nature is key to working with these files.
Programs That Open .32s Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Audacity | Free | |
| VLC Media Player | Free | ||
| macOS | Audacity | Free | |
| VLC Media Player | Free | ||
| Linux | Audacity | Free | |
| VLC Media Player | Free |
How to Convert .32s Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .WAV | Audacity, FFmpeg |
| .FLAC | Audacity, FFmpeg |
Common Problems with .32s Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .32s is typically an uncompressed audio format, storing raw audio data without any compression.
The large file size is a direct result of the audio data being uncompressed. Each audio sample is stored directly, leading to significantly larger files compared to compressed formats like MP3.
These files are most often found in older video game consoles, legacy multimedia applications, or systems where raw, uncompressed audio was a requirement.
Technical Details
This format typically stores raw PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) audio data. It's usually 32-bit, hence the name, indicating the bit depth of each audio sample. Because it's uncompressed, the data stream is a direct representation of the audio waveform, making it easy for hardware to process but inefficient in terms of storage.