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

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

audio/x-musepack is the MIME type for files encoded with the Musepack audio codec.
It compresses audio using perceptual coding to reduce file size while keeping sound quality high.
Data that is less noticeable to the ear is discarded, resulting in a loss of some details but maintaining overall fidelity.

Files using this codec include MPP, MP, MPC, and MP+.

Main Use: High-quality audio playback and storage with efficient compression.
Optimized for streaming and downloading without heavy bandwidth use.
Favored in niche applications and legacy audio systems for its balance between size and fidelity.
Preferred by audiophiles who value near-transparent sound at reduced bitrates.

The codec is implemented in several open source players and specialized audio software.
Its design focuses on removing inaudible information to deliver clear sound while minimizing file size.
Learn more at the Musepack official site.

Associated file extensions

.mpp, .mp, .mpc, .mp+

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-musepack

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.mpp, .mp, .mpc, .mp+

FAQs

Does the HTML5 <audio> tag support audio/x-musepack?

Generally, no. Most modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) do not natively support the Musepack codec. To play .mpc files on a website, you typically need to convert them to a widely supported format like MP3 or use a JavaScript-based decoder library.

How do I configure Apache to serve Musepack files correctly?

You need to map the file extensions to the MIME type in your .htaccess or main configuration file. Add the line AddType audio/x-musepack .mpc .mp+ .mpp to ensure browsers and players recognize the file type upon download.

Why does the MIME type start with "x-"?

The x- prefix in audio/x-musepack indicates that it is a non-standard or experimental type not officially registered with the IANA. While common for niche formats like Musepack, standard formats usually lack this prefix (e.g., audio/wav).

Which software can open audio/x-musepack files?

Popular media players like VLC Media Player, Foobar2000, and Winamp support Musepack files out of the box or with plugins. Because standard system players (like Windows Media Player) often fail to open MPC files, installing a third-party player is the most common solution.

What is the difference between .mpc, .mp+, and .mpp extensions?

These are all extensions for Musepack audio, but they represent different eras of the codec's development. .mpc is the modern standard, while .mp+ and .mpp are legacy extensions found on older files. All of them should be served with the audio/x-musepack MIME type.

How do I fix Nginx errors when serving MPC files?

If Nginx serves the file as application/octet-stream (forcing a download), you must update your mime.types file. Add audio/x-musepack mpc; inside the types { ... } block and reload Nginx to send the correct headers.

Is audio/x-musepack suitable for web streaming?

Not usually, due to the lack of native browser support. While Musepack offers excellent quality-to-size ratios, it is better suited for local storage or file sharing. For web streaming, standard MIME types like AAC or MP3 are recommended for compatibility.

General 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.