.aum — AU file format (Audio)
Sun Microsystems · 1987
The .aum format is a basic, uncompressed audio file format primarily used for simple sound playback, especially in older Unix environments.
Key Features
- Uncompressed or simple compressed audio data.
- Includes a header for metadata.
- Widely supported in Unix-like environments.
- Simple and easy to parse.
Best For
- Applications requiring simple, uncompressed audio.
- Situations needing compatibility with older Unix systems.
- When raw audio data manipulation is primary.
- Low-resource environments that don't need complex audio features.
Less Ideal For
- High-fidelity music distribution.
- Reducing file sizes for web streaming.
- Complex audio editing with multiple tracks.
- Archiving large sound libraries where space is a concern.
Common Use Cases
- Storing basic sound effects in older operating systems.
- Simple voice recordings for system alerts.
- Archiving raw audio data for specific scientific or technical applications.
- Interoperability with legacy audio tools.
How to Open It
- Use a versatile audio player like VLC Media Player on any operating system.
- Open with professional audio editing software like Audacity.
- Attempt playback directly in some web browsers or older operating systems.
- Use command-line tools like `sox` on Linux/macOS for conversion or playback.
What is a .aum file?
The .aum file extension is associated with the AU (Audio) file format, which was originally developed by Sun Microsystems. It's a simple, uncompressed audio format often used in early Unix systems and for basic sound playback. While not as widespread as formats like WAV or MP3 today, AU files are recognized for their straightforward structure and broad compatibility across various audio software. They typically store raw audio data, making them efficient for certain specialized applications where fidelity and minimal processing are key.
Programs That Open .aum Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| Audacity | Free | ||
| macOS | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| Audacity | Free | ||
| QuickTime Player | Free | Official | |
| Linux | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| Audacity | Free | ||
| SoX (Sound eXchange) | Free | ||
| Android | VLC for Android | Free | |
| iOS | VLC for Mobile | Free | |
| Web Browser | Online Audio Converters | Free |
How to Convert .aum Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .WAV | Audacity, VLC Media Player, SoX |
| .MP3 | Audacity, VLC Media Player, Online Converters |
Common Problems with .aum Files
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, if it stores uncompressed PCM audio. However, it often uses µ-law or A-law compression, which is a form of lossy compression, though typically applied for voice rather than music.
Its relevance lies in legacy systems, simple sound implementation in older software, and as a basic format for raw audio data, especially in Unix-like environments.
Typically, '.au' is the primary extension for the AU Audio format. '.aum' may sometimes be used, but often refers to the same underlying format or a variant with a similar header structure.
Technical Details
AU files are typically headered raw audio files. The header contains information about the encoding, sample rate, and number of channels. The rest of the file is raw audio data, often encoded using µ-law or A-law compression, though uncompressed PCM is also common. Its structure makes it straightforward to parse and process.