What is MIME type "audio/speex"?

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

audio/speex is a MIME type for audio files encoded using the Speex codec. This codec is tailored for compressing human speech. It reduces file sizes while preserving voice clarity.

This format is used where voice content is prioritized over high-fidelity music. It achieves low latency and efficient compression, ideal for modern communication tools.

Primary Use Case: Optimizing file sizes for speech in VoIP and online conferencing.
Other Uses: Podcasting, audio messaging, and streaming voice recordings.
Key Fact: The codec supports variable bit rates for improved performance.

Files utilizing this MIME type may appear as containers or specific file formats like OGG or SPX. These formats help in organizing and playing back compressed speech data efficiently.

For additional technical details, refer to resources like Xiph.Org Speex Codec.

Associated file extensions

.ogg, .spx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/speex

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="audio/speex">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/speex');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.ogg, .spx

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.