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What is RA?

RealAudio (RA) is a RealNetworks streaming audio format designed for low-bitrate internet radio and streaming.

What is AU?

Sun AU is the native audio format for Sun Microsystems workstations, using simple mu-law encoding or uncompressed PCM.

When Should You Use RA vs AU?

Use RA When...

RA shines in legacy streaming audio, internet radio scenarios. The compact file sizes make it ideal for web distribution and daily workflow.

Use AU When...

When legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound matters most, AU delivers. Its pristine output guarantees professional-grade results every single time.

RA vs AU: Key Differences

  • •The core technical difference: RA relies on lossy compression whereas AU uses lossless compression.
  • •The switch from lossy compression to lossless compression means you preserve full quality at the expense of larger file sizes.
  • •Alpha channel support: AU lacks transparency support.
  • •File sizes: RA files typically range Very small, for streaming and AU files Small to medium, similar to WAV.
  • •Primary audience: RA is built for legacy streaming audio, internet radio scenarios, while AU focuses on legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of RA

  • ✓RA applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Legacy streaming audio, internet radio.
  • ✓RA enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
  • ✓RA delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
  • ✓You will find RA support built into virtually every tool that handles Legacy streaming audio, internet radio — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of AU

  • ✓At its core, AU relies on lossless encoding — a design choice that makes it perfect for Legacy Unix audio, Sun workstation sound.
  • ✓You won't run into compatibility issues with AU — it's a universal standard across platforms.
  • ✓File size management with AU: larger files guaranteed to match the original exactly.
  • ✓Every major application in the Legacy Unix audio, Sun workstation sound space supports AU natively.

Common Use Cases for RA to AU Conversion

  • Conference call recordings
  • Field recording preservation
  • Music production and mixing
  • Podcast distribution
  • Voice recordings
  • Streaming services

Industry Applications

Medical TranscriptionRadio BroadcastingMusic ProductionPodcastingBroadcastingAudio Engineering

Best Practices for RA to AU Conversion

  • →For RA to AU: match the sample rate and bit depth to your delivery platform — 44.1 kHz / 16-bit is the standard for music
  • →Apply loudness normalization (LUFS) before conversion to ensure consistent volume across your audio library
  • →AU prioritizes quality — ensure your storage can accommodate the resulting file sizes
  • →Check that metadata tags (artist, album, track number) survive the conversion
  • →Convert a short segment first to verify quality at your chosen bitrate
  • →Keep a lossless master copy in case you need to re-encode for a different platform

Related Article

Video Compression Guide: Reduce File Size Without Losing Quality

Learn more about RA and AU formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting RA to AU Conversion

  • !AU audio quality degraded vs RA → use a higher bitrate (at least 256 kbps for music)
  • !AU file won't play on your device → check format compatibility with your player or platform
  • !Metadata (artist, album, title) lost after RA to AU conversion → some formats like AU may not support ID3 tags
  • !Volume changed after converting RA to AU → normalize audio levels before conversion for consistent playback

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About RA and AU

RA

RA (RealAudio RA) - RealAudio, RealNetworks streaming audio format. Best for legacy streaming audio, internet radio.

AU

AU (AU audio) - Sun AU, legacy Unix audio format for Sun workstations. Ideal for legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from legacy streaming audio, internet radio to legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound
File Size~Small to medium, similar to WAV after conversion

FAQs

Is converting RA to AU free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of RA to AU for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert RA to AU?

Most RA to AU conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is AU best used for?

AU is ideal for legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound. Sun AU, legacy Unix audio format for Sun workstations

Does converting RA to AU lose quality?

No, converting RA to AU does not cause additional quality loss — AU uses lossless compression. However, any artifacts already present in the original RA file will persist in the AU output.

What file size should I expect after converting RA to AU?

AU files are typically 2-5x larger than equivalent RA files because AU preserves all pixel data. This is expected and necessary for lossless quality.

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