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

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-wv is used for files compressed with the WavPack format. These files store digital audio in a compact form while keeping sound quality high. They often use the file extension WV.

Key points include:

Lossless Compression: Keeps the original audio data intact, which is ideal for archiving.
Hybrid Mode: Combines lossy and correction data to achieve near-lossless quality at smaller file sizes.
Efficiency: Reduces file sizes significantly while maintaining audio integrity.
Playback Compatibility: Supported by many media players on PC for easy listening and editing.

The format is popular for preserving high-quality audio and managing storage space. More about the technology is available on the WavPack website.

Associated file extensions

.wv

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-wv

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.wv

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.