Convert anything, at global scale.
200+ formats and automation APIs that feels instant.
CONVERT
From
To
Drop files or choose a source
Upload multiple files at once, mix formats, and fine-tune every conversion with format-aware settings.
Max 2GB per file · Drag & drop ready · Mixed file types welcome
AU at a glance
AU
AU belongs to an earlier multimedia era where workstation and Unix vendors often had their own practical audio defaults.
MP3 at a glance
MP3
Fraunhofer IIS played a central role in the development and promotion of MP3, and the format became synonymous with the early digital music era.
Format comparison
| Feature | AU | MP3 |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Not available | Not available |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Compression / quality | Not available | Not available |
| File size characteristics | Not available | Not available |
| Compatibility | Not available | Not available |
| Editability | Not available | Not available |
| Created year | Not available | Not available |
| Inventor | Not available | Not available |
| Status | Not available | Not available |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Common software |
|
|
| Archival suitability | Not available | Not available |
| Metadata handling | Not available | Not available |
| Delivery profile | Not available | Not available |
| Workflow fit | Not available | Not available |
| Multitrack support | Not available | Not available |
| HDR support | Not available | Not available |
| Streaming ready | Not available | Not available |
When to use each format
When to use AU
- capture ingest
- editing and mastering
- streaming or playback delivery
- Historically important in Unix/workstation audio.
When to use MP3
- capture ingest
- editing and mastering
- streaming or playback delivery
- Extremely broad device and software support.
FAQs
Why convert AU to MP3?
Choose MP3 as target when mP3 conversion is necessary when universal device compatibility is non-negotiable.
What changes when converting AU to MP3?
MP3 conversion is necessary when universal device compatibility is non-negotiable. Convert to MP3 for podcasts distributed through iTunes, Spotify, and all major platforms. MP3 is essential for audio files that will be used on in-vehicle entertainment systems, car stereos, or older consumer devices. If your audience uses phones from any era, MP3 guarantees playback without format compatibility issues. Choose MP3 for personal music libraries that must be accessible on legacy devices, portable players, and car systems. MP3 is ideal for archiving audio where you want absolute certainty the file will be playable for decades. Music production professionals often maintain MP3 versions of masters alongside higher-quality formats for distribution and preview purposes.
What should I review after converting AU to MP3?
After conversion, review these destination checks: Open converted output in portable players and verify behavior on real samples; Compare output against the expected depends quality profile; Newer codecs can outperform it on quality per bitrate.
How can I keep quality stable in AU to MP3 conversion?
Run representative samples, keep settings deterministic, and monitor these risks: It is lossy and repeated re-encoding can compound artefacts; Newer codecs can outperform it on quality per bitrate; Validate destination compatibility before large-batch conversion.