What is MIME type "audio/module-xm"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

audio/module-xm is a MIME type for module music formats. It stores digital audio samples and the instructions on how to play them in real time.

Instead of saving a continuous audio stream, these files hold a series of notes, instrument settings, and effects. The player reconstructs the music on the fly. This makes the files small and efficient, ideal for retro games and demo scenes.

Main Use: It is used in tracker-based music applications and PC games.
Key Facts: The file combines sound samples with ordering patterns. This format supports dynamic changes and looping.
Other Uses: It is popular in hobbyist music creation, demo-scene productions, and custom game soundtracks.

Files with this MIME type include formats like MOD, FAR, XM, IT, STM, AMF, MED, WOW, DMF, S3M, 669, MTM, MT2, ULT, and OKT.

For more on how these module formats work, visit this reference.

Associated file extensions

.mod, .far, .xm, .it, .stm, .amf, .med, .wow, .dmf, .s3m, .669, .mtm, .mt2, .ult, .okt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: audio/module-xm

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="audio/module-xm">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'audio/module-xm');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mod, .far, .xm, .it, .stm, .amf, .med, .wow, .dmf, .s3m, .669, .mtm, .mt2, .ult, .okt

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.