SIMG File – What is .simg file and how to open it?

Definition of a SIMG File

A SIMG file is a Synclavier Disk Image File, a type of disk image container used to store the contents of a physical disk drive. This file format was developed by Synclavier Digital to archive and transfer data from Synclavier synthesizers, which were primarily used in the music production industry during the 1980s and 1990s.

Key Features of SIMG Files

SIMG files typically contain not only the raw data stored on the disk but also additional information such as drive geometry parameters, file system metadata, and system-specific configuration settings. This allows for the accurate restoration of the disk’s contents onto a new disk or virtual environment. SIMG files are valuable for preserving and sharing vintage synthesizer data, as they capture the exact state of the disk drive at the time of creation. However, their usage is primarily limited to specialized software and emulators designed to work with Synclavier synthesizers or other compatible systems.

Overview of SIMG Files

SIMG files are disk image files created by the Synclavier digital audio workstation. They contain a complete representation of the contents of a floppy disk or hard drive, including the filesystem and all files and directories. SIMG files are used to back up data, create bootable disks, and transfer files between different systems.

Opening SIMG Files

To open a SIMG file, you will need a software program that supports the SIMG file format. Several different programs can open SIMG files, including:

• Synclavier Digital’s SyncEdit (Windows, macOS)
• Chicken Systems Translator (Windows, macOS)
• H+H Software’s Virtual Floppy Drive (Windows)

Once you have installed one of these programs, you can open a SIMG file by simply double-clicking on it. The program will automatically mount the SIMG file as a virtual disk, allowing you to access the files and directories within it. You can then copy files to and from the virtual disk, or use the files directly from within the program.

Synclavier Disk Image File (.SIMG)

The .SIMG file extension denotes a Synclavier Disk Image File, a digital representation of the contents of a disk for the Synclavier digital audio workstation. It encapsulates the complete data structure of the physical disk, including its file system, directory structure, and raw data. .SIMG files serve as backups or archives of Synclavier disk contents, allowing users to restore the disk’s data in case of hardware failure or disk damage.

Technical Details

.SIMG files follow a proprietary format specifically designed for the Synclavier platform. They contain a header section that specifies the file’s metadata, such as the original disk size, file system type, and date of creation. The header is followed by the actual disk image data, which is organized in sectors, tracks, and cylinders. .SIMG files can be mounted within the Synclavier’s operating system, enabling users to access and manipulate the files contained in the disk image as if they were on a physical disk. The format supports various file systems, including Synclavier’s proprietary file system as well as third-party file systems like FAT and HFS+.

Other Extensions