The AU (.au) audio file format is a simple, uncompressed audio format originally developed by Sun Microsystems for Unix systems. It uses linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) encoding and supports various audio sample rates and bit depths. Commonly used for short sound clips and system audio events, AU files are characterized by a straightforward header structure that defines audio parameters.
Lightweight file size, universal compatibility with Unix systems, simple structure, low computational overhead for encoding/decoding. Supports multiple audio sample rates and provides basic metadata. Easy to implement across different programming environments.
Limited compression options, larger file sizes compared to modern compressed formats, reduced audio quality at lower bit rates. Less popular in contemporary multimedia applications, with limited support in modern media players and operating systems.
Primarily used in Unix and web-based environments for system sounds, notification alerts, and simple audio playback. Frequently employed in web browsers, email clients, and legacy Unix applications. Commonly found in sound libraries, multimedia presentations, and as a lightweight audio exchange format between different computer systems and platforms.