SPX File – What is .spx file and how to open it?


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SPX File Extension

Ogg Vorbis Speex File – file format by Xiph.Org

SPX is an audio file format that uses the Speex lossy audio compression codec. It is designed for speech and other low-bandwidth applications. SPX files are typically much smaller than WAV or FLAC files, but they maintain good audio quality.

SPX File Format

SPX (Ogg Vorbis Speex File) is an audio file format based on the Speex audio codec. Speex is a lossy audio compression codec designed specifically for voice and is known for its high compression ratio while maintaining good audio quality. SPX files combine the Speex codec with the Ogg container format, creating a containerized audio file. The Ogg container provides a framework for organizing and storing multimedia data, including audio, video, and metadata.

The SPX format is commonly used for voice recordings, telephony, and voice chat applications due to its efficient compression and low bandwidth requirements. SPX files are typically smaller in size than uncompressed audio files, making them suitable for streaming and storage-constrained environments. Additionally, the Speex codec employed in SPX files provides a wide range of bit rates and compression levels, allowing users to customize the audio quality and file size based on their specific needs.

Opening SPX Files Using Audio Players

SPX files are audio files compressed using the Speex codec, developed by Xiph.Org. To open and play SPX files, you will need an audio player that supports the Speex codec. Some popular audio players that support SPX include:

  • VLC Media Player
  • Audacity
  • foobar2000
  • KMPlayer
  • GOM Player

To open an SPX file in one of these audio players, simply drag and drop the file into the player’s interface or navigate to the file’s location using the player’s File menu. The player will then automatically start playing the SPX file.

Using FFmpeg to Convert SPX Files

If you do not have an audio player that supports the Speex codec, you can use the FFmpeg utility to convert SPX files to a more widely supported format, such as WAV or MP3. FFmpeg is a command-line tool that can be used to perform a variety of audio and video conversions.

To convert an SPX file to WAV using FFmpeg, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the SPX file is located. Then, enter the following command:


ffmpeg -i input.spx output.wav

Replace “input.spx” with the name of the SPX file you want to convert, and replace “output.wav” with the name you want to give the converted WAV file.

Once the conversion is complete, you can open the WAV file in any audio player that supports WAV files.

File Format and Characteristics

SPX (Ogg Vorbis Speex File) is an audio file format that combines the Ogg container format with the Speex audio codec. It was developed by Xiph.Org, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing free and open-source multimedia technologies. SPX files are designed to provide high-quality audio while maintaining a relatively small file size. The Speex codec employs a lossy compression algorithm that prioritizes speech clarity, making it suitable for applications such as voice recordings, podcasts, and VoIP communication.

Applications and Compatibility

SPX files are widely compatible with various media players, including VLC Media Player, Foobar2000, and Audacity. They can be played on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Additionally, SPX files are often used in VoIP applications like Skype and Discord, where low latency and decent audio quality are essential. The small file size of SPX files makes them suitable for transmission over networks with limited bandwidth.

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