What is MIME type "audio/x-ms-wax"?

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

The MIME type audio/x-ms-wax is a Microsoft format for streaming audio content. It tells software like Windows Media Player to treat the file as audio with embedded instructions for playback.

Files tagged with this type, such as WAX, act as containers. They often do not hold the full audio data themselves. Instead, they include metadata that points the media player to the actual streaming source. Related file identifiers like ASX and WXV are used in similar contexts to manage playlists and redirections for media streams.

Streaming Coordination: Manages the delivery of Windows Media audio over networks.
Redirection & Metadata: Contains instructions that guide media players to the correct audio source.
Compatibility: Works best with Microsoft’s media software and compatible players.

For more on related file formats, check resources like Filext.

Associated file extensions

.asx, .wax, .wxv

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-ms-wax

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.asx, .wax, .wxv

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.