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

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

audio/x-xi is a MIME type for module-based audio files used in tracker software. It defines how data is read so that programs know it contains musical patterns, samples, and instrument instructions.
Files using this type are produced by FastTracker 2 Extended.

Main use: Playback and basic editing of module formats in tracker software.
Additional uses: Creating digital music in the demoscene and retro game audio tracks.
Functionality: Stores sample pointers, song patterns, and instrument data for precision control during playback.

The format covers files like XM and XI. These files are different from standard audio files like MP3 or WAV because they are designed for dynamic sequencing rather than just streaming compressed sound.
This MIME type guides software to correctly interpret the file content and ensure the intended sound is reproduced.

For more technical details, consult resources like Wikipedia: FastTracker 2.

Associated file extensions

.xm, .xi

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-xi

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xm, .xi

FAQs

What file extensions are associated with audio/x-xi?

The MIME type audio/x-xi is primarily associated with .xi (FastTracker 2 Instrument) and .xm (FastTracker 2 Extended Module) files. These extensions denote tracker-based audio data used in the demoscene and retro gaming.

How do I play audio/x-xi files on my computer?

You need specialized tracker software like OpenMPT or MilkyTracker to edit or play these files natively. For general playback, versatile media players like VLC Media Player or Winamp often support the format.

Can web browsers play audio/x-xi files natively?

No, modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox do not support audio/x-xi playback natively. To play these files on a website, developers must use JavaScript libraries like libopenmpt or Chiptune.js that decode the module data using the Web Audio API.

How do I configure my web server to serve audio/x-xi?

For Apache, add AddType audio/x-xi .xi .xm to your .htaccess file. For Nginx, add types { audio/x-xi xi xm; } inside your http or server block to ensure the correct Content-Type header is sent.

What is the difference between .xi and .xm files?

An .xm file is a complete song module containing musical patterns and instruments, whereas an .xi file contains a single instrument definition (samples and envelopes). The audio/x-xi MIME type is often used for the instrument files specifically, though sometimes applied to modules as well.

What does the 'x-' prefix mean in audio/x-xi?

The x- prefix indicates that this is a non-standard or proprietary MIME type not officially registered with the IANA. It was conventionally used for experimental or software-specific formats like FastTracker 2 files before standard types were established.

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.