What is MOD?

Protracker Module (MOD) is a tracker music format originating from the Amiga demoscene, containing both note patterns and instrument samples.

What is CAF?

Core Audio Format (CAF) is Apple's audio container designed to overcome the file size and sample rate limitations of AIFF and WAV.

When Should You Use MOD vs CAF?

MOD vs CAF: Key Differences

• •MOD uses lossless compression while CAF uses lossless compression — both take the same approach to file size management.
• •Since both MOD and CAF use lossless compression, the quality characteristics are comparable — differences in file size come down to how efficiently each format implements compression.
• •Transparency: N/A
• •MOD files are typically Small with size proportional to samples while CAF files range Flexible, supports very large files
• •MOD is optimized for chiptune music, demoscene, retro game audio while CAF is designed for apple audio production, professional editing — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of MOD

• ✓The lossless nature of MOD means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Chiptune music, demoscene, retro game audio efficiently.
• ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, MOD is recognized and supported everywhere.
• ✓The trade-off for MOD's perfection is larger files — but for archival work, it is worth every megabyte.
• ✓MOD is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Advantages of CAF

• ✓CAF applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Apple audio production, professional editing.
• ✓CAF enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓CAF guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
• ✓You will find CAF support built into virtually every tool that handles Apple audio production, professional editing — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for MOD to CAF Conversion

• Streaming services
• Audio books
• Sound design
• Language learning
• Professional broadcasting
• Video game audio assets

Industry Applications

Best Practices for MOD to CAF Conversion

• →Converting MOD to CAF: CAF preserves full audio fidelity — ideal for archiving master recordings
• →Normalize audio levels before conversion for consistent playback volume
• →CAF excels in professional audio workflows
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Related Article

Troubleshooting MOD to CAF Conversion

• !Clicks or pops in the converted CAF → sample rate conversion can introduce artifacts; use a clean multiple of the source rate
• !CAF file has silence at the beginning or end → trim the source MOD file before converting to avoid unnecessary padding
• !Stereo image collapsed after converting MOD to CAF → verify that the converter preserves channel mapping for multichannel audio
• !The converted CAF clips or distorts at peaks → reduce the gain or apply a limiter before conversion to prevent hard clipping

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