How to convert MP3 to AU
- Add your .MP3 file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .AU in a few seconds.
- Download your new .AU file.
What to expect
- AU is an older, simple audio container; expect wide but not universal player support.
- A PCM AU file will be larger than the MP3 and holds the same lossy audio.
- ID3 tags and artwork from the MP3 do not carry into the AU header.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AU file and why convert MP3 to it?
AU is the classic Sun/NeXT audio format, historically the standard Unix system sound. Converting MP3 to AU is done mainly for compatibility with older Unix-oriented tools or systems that expect AU.
Does the audio quality change?
AU typically stores PCM samples, so the conversion does not add loss beyond what the MP3 already has. It cannot improve on the lossy MP3 source, however.
What opens an AU file?
VLC and Audacity open AU on any platform. On modern devices it is often converted to MP3 or WAV for broader support, since AU is an older format.
Will the AU file be larger than the MP3?
If it is stored as PCM it will be considerably larger, because PCM is uncompressed while MP3 is compressed. The exact size depends on the sample settings used.
Programs that convert MP3: VIP Video Converter · Freemake Video Converter · WavePad · Tiny Audio Converter · Audacity · Audacity for Mac · Audacity for Linux
