What is XM?

Extended Module (XM) is the native format of Fast Tracker II, supporting samples, patterns, effects, and volume envelopes.

What is SND?

Sun Sound (SND) is a basic Unix audio format for simple sound effects and system sounds on Sun workstations.

When Should You Use XM vs SND?

XM vs SND: Key Differences

• •XM uses lossless compression while SND uses lossless compression — both take the same approach to file size management.
• •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossless compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
• •How transparency is handled: SND supports transparency, so alpha information is preserved during conversion.
• •File sizes: XM files typically range Moderate, depends on sample content and SND files Small to medium, similar to uncompressed WAV.
• •Primary audience: XM is built for tracker music, demoscene, retro game audio scenarios, while SND focuses on unix sound effects, legacy sun audio files — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of XM

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

Advantages of SND

• ✓SND uses lossless compression tailored for Unix sound effects, legacy Sun audio files.
• ✓SND is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
• ✓SND files are bit-for-bit perfect, preserving every pixel and sample for professional work.
• ✓SND integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Common Use Cases for XM to SND Conversion

• Field recording preservation
• Music production and mixing
• Podcast distribution
• Voice recordings
• Streaming services
• Audio books

Industry Applications

Best Practices for XM to SND Conversion

• →Converting XM to SND: SND preserves full audio fidelity — ideal for archiving master recordings
• →Normalize audio levels before conversion for consistent playback volume
• →SND 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 XM to SND Conversion

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

Related Audio Converters

All Audio Formats

More Audio tools