What is MIME type "audio/x-mod"?

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

audio/x-mod is a MIME type that signals a group of tracker module files. These files hold both sound samples and playback instructions. They let a computer recreate music note by note.

This format is ideal for use in digital music tracking. It was popular with early computing and remains a favorite in retro gaming and chiptune circles.

Module Playback: Players interpret these file instructions and samples to reproduce music exactly as composed.
Compact Composition: The format keeps file sizes small, using patterns rather than storing full audio waveforms.
Creative Flexibility: Musicians can mix and modify samples easily within tracking software.
Wide Compatibility: Many file variants, each tied to different trackers or composers, share this MIME type.

Formats using this MIME type include files like DB (DIGIBooster module), MSO (MedlySound module), CT (CyberTracker 64 chiptune), MUS (MVSTracker Music module), and the well-known MOD format.
Many others—such as XM, IT, ORG, and MO3—are also part of this group.

For deeper technical insight, visit Wikipedia: Module file.

Associated file extensions

.db, .mso, .ct, .mus, .mod, .cpp, .mix, .osp, .stp, .fmt, .smc, .dm, .psa, .dss, .skm, .spm, .sa, .ml, .sng, .omf, .uni, .far, .org, .mo3, .emd, .fc, .as, .ems, .xm, .it, .kt, .mxm, .ast, .ds2, .et, .imf, .dtm, .ft, .bsi, .sap, .uds, .stm, .ftm, .cop, .amf, .amx, .mon, .ss, .psc, .thn, .tfc

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-mod

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

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.