AU

📚 Key Takeaways:

📌 What is AU and what does it stand for? AU is an audio file format developed by Sun Microsystem and commonly used on web pages. Files of this format have a .au extension. AU files can either be uncompressed or use μ-law (mu-law) compression. Over time, this format was adapted to support many encoding methods.

📌 How to open AU audio file format? AU is not a widely accepted file format. Only a few programs can you use to open AU audio files. For instance, Adobe Audition, VLC Media Player, and Audacity. Or, you can use WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro to change the AU format to a mainstream format like MP3 for easier playback.

For a more info about the AU format, check out the overview table below to get better with it!

Overview Table of the AU Format

Category	Details
File Format	AU
Media Type	Audio
Format Type	Container format
File Extension	.au
Developed by	Sun Microsystems
Initial Release	1992
Encoding Method	▪μ-law (Mu-law) ▪ Linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) (uncompressed) ▪ ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) ▪ 32bit, 24 bit, 16-bit, 8-bit PCM
File Structure	▪ Header ▪ Optional description field ▪ Audio data
Compression Type	▪ Uncompressed ▪ μ-law (Mu-law) Compressed
Uses	▪ Early web audio playback ▪ Unix-based systems ▪ Telecommunication and voice-processing applications

References:
https://pubs.opengroup.org/external/auformat.html

How to Play AU Files on Windows & Mac?

Since AU is phasing out and shows limited compatibility, you’re most likely to encounter the AU playback issues. If you want to open AU files on Windows, Mac, or other devices without hassle, there are two solutions:

Method 1. Use an AU file player

You can use a media player with diverse codec support like VLC (cross-platform), AVS Media Player (Windows), or foobar2000 (Windows).

Method 2. Use an AU converter

Due to its inefficiency in modern usage and device compatibility, the AU format has been gradually replaced by formats such as MP3 or AAC. The best way to enjoy AU audio is to convert it to MP3 or a supported format.

For a quick and worry-free conversion, WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is highly recommended. It allows you to convert AU to MP3 or other audio formats with the desired audio channel, sample rate, bitrate, and volume. You can also convert any audio or video to AU format.

Download, install, and launch the powerful audio converter to enjoy your music anywhere!

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Step 1. Import Files: Enter ‘Converter’ and straightly drag and drop your AU files into the software.
Step 2. Select an Output Format: Open the format library to select a needed output audio format like MP3.
Step 3. Start Conversion: Set an output folder and click 'Run' to start the conversion.

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