ARIA File – What is .aria file and how to open it?


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ARIA File Extension

Chipsounds Sound File – file format by Plogue

ARIA (Chipsounds Sound File) is a file format developed by Plogue for storing audio data in a compressed format. It is specifically designed for use with the Chipsounds software, which emulates various vintage sound chips.

ARIA File Format

An ARIA file is a proprietary audio file format developed by Plogue, a software company specializing in music production and audio technology. It is primarily used to store and playback chipsounds, which are electronic sounds emulating those produced by early video game consoles and other classic hardware. ARIA files contain samples of these chipsounds, allowing them to be played back in a digital environment.

Technical Details

ARIA files are typically compressed using a custom lossless algorithm to reduce their file size while maintaining the original audio quality. They support a variety of sound formats, including 8-bit, 16-bit, and 24-bit samples, as well as stereo and multi-channel arrangements. ARIA files also feature metadata tags that store information such as the song title, artist, and album. This metadata can be used by audio software for organizing and cataloging music collections.

Open with Plogue Bidule

Plogue Bidule, a modular virtual studio software developed by Plogue, is the primary application for opening ARIA files. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for audio processing, sequencing, and synthesis. To open an ARIA file in Bidule, simply drag and drop it onto the workspace or use the “File” menu to navigate to the file and open it. Bidule will automatically load the ARIA file and make its audio data available for further manipulation within the software.

Alternative Methods

If Plogue Bidule is not available, other software can also be used to open ARIA files, albeit with limited functionality. One option is to use a text editor, such as Notepad++ or Sublime Text, to view the raw data of the ARIA file. However, this method requires familiarity with the ARIA file format and is not recommended for making any modifications. Another option is to use a generic audio editing software, such as Audacity or GarageBand, to import the ARIA file as raw audio data. This method allows for basic audio playback and editing but may not support the full range of features found in ARIA files.

What is an ARIA File?

An ARIA file is a proprietary audio file format developed by Plogue, a company specializing in audio software. It is primarily used for storing sound data created by Chipsounds, a software synthesizer that emulates the sound of classic video game consoles and arcade machines. ARIA files contain various synthesis parameters and samples that define the sound’s characteristics, such as waveform, envelopes, and effects.

Technical Details of ARIA Files

ARIA files are binary files with a relatively simple structure. They typically start with a header containing information about the file format version, file size, and number of samples. The header is followed by the sound data, which is stored in a compressed format to minimize file size. ARIA files can contain both 8-bit and 16-bit samples, with varying sample rates from 8 kHz to 48 kHz. They also support multiple channels, allowing for stereo or surround sound reproduction. Additionally, ARIA files may include additional information, such as loop points and metadata, for convenient handling and organization.

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