DFF File Extension [How to open? Players Converters]

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Specification

Features

• Sample rates: 2.8 (D64), 5.6 (D128), 11.2 (D256), 22.5 (D512), 45.2 (D1024), ... MHz (read more below)
• Bit-depth: 1 bit [1]
• Modulation type: sigma delta modulation (a.k.a. DSD)
• Compression type: noncompressed / DST
• Channel number: 1 ... [2^16-1] (see below)
• Metadata: only as non-standard chunk (see below)

Structure

DFF format audio consists of data blocks (chunks). There are 8 standard types of chunks. [1]

A non-standard chunk may be embedded into DFF file. However, if reading application can't recognize the chunk, it is skipped.

There is the absolute-start-time chunk, that may be useful in professional applications.

Channel number

Channel number of .dff audio file is limited by abilities of the channel-number field in the channels chunk of the format. There is channel mask with reserved several channel types ("Left", "Right", etc.) is applied. And there is custom reserve range for other types of channels.

Also, there is a separate loudspeaker-configuration chunk (optional).

Audio data

DSD (uncompressed) and DST compressed sound data stored differently:

• DSD sound data is stored as a single chunk;
• DST sound data is stored as information chunk and frames (data and frame CRC chunks).

Metadata

Metadata (track, album names, performer, artwork, etc.) chunk may be added to DFF as non-standard chunk (data block). But only application, that can recognize the metadata block, will read and display it.

Sound quality

What is the difference between DSF and DFF?

Read article DSD vs DSF vs DFF Files Audio. What is difference >

DSF vs. DFF is not a complex matter. Because both formats are very similar.

Comparison DFF and DSF

DFF and DSF are binary identical as DSD data storage.

DSF allows to save metadata standard way (DSF audio player applications capable read it, as rule).

Multibit DSD samples are not so important for sound quality. Read more about bit depth and sample rate >

Both formats allow flexible configuration for multichannel files.

Warning: some software can convert DSF to DFF or back with audio modifications (non-bit-perfect mode). So checking of every converting tool is recommended.

Read about comparison DSD files (infographic) >

DFF versus PCM (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, etc.)

The sound quality of files defined as quantization-noise-management abilities of DSD modulator and quality of filtering in the demodulator.

It is completely like to DSF vs PCM.

In general, DFF and PCM is the same things. But DFF uses minimal bit depth (1-bit).

The minimal bit depth causes minimal dynamic range. To expand the dynamic range noise shaping (pushing noise energy out of audible frequency band) is used.

But pushing the energy demands reserve of the total frequency band of an audio signal. Thus, DFF use a higher sample rate.

Read details:

• DSF vs PCM. What is common base? >
• DSD vs PCM. It is real competitors? >
• DSF sound quality issues >

How do I open DFF files

How to play DFF

1. Audirvana (Mac)
2. Amarra (Mac, Windows)
3. Foobar 2000 (Windows)
4. JRiver (Mac, Windows, Linux)

DFF file audio players can transmit sound stuff into 1-bit DSD DAC as is. Also, DFF file may be converted inline ("on fly") to PCM for playback at PCM DAC.

PCM to DSD conversion and DSD to PCM cause quality losses.

Alternatively, DFF file may be pre-converted to PCM offline (non-realtime) via audio converter software. Offline conversion is not limited by time of CPU calculations and "heavy" precise algorithms may be used.

Also, some DFF player compatibility issues are known: channel number, metadata artwork size or other.

For audio players, that are stereo capable only, conversion multichannel DFF 5.1 to stereo is used.

Read more about DSD players >

How to convert DFF

1. DFF to FLAC Converter >
2. DFF to DSF Converter >
3. DSF to DFF Converter >
4. DFF to DSF Conversion on Mac OSX, Windows, Linux >
5. How convert DST compressed DFF under Windows (User Guide) >

Converter software

1. AuI ConverteR 48x44 (Mac, Windows)
2. Audiogate (Mac, Windows)
3. Foobar 2000 (Windows)
4. JRiver (Mac, Windows, Linux)
5. dff2dsf (Mac, Windows, Linux)
6. dsf2dff (Windows)
7. More converters

Downloads

1. Utility to convert DSF to DFF (Windows) dsf2dff.exe download here.
2. Utility to convert DFF to DSF (Windows, Mac, Linux) dff2dsf download here.

How to edit DFF

This format may be edited 3 steps:

1. conversion DFF to PCM,
2. editing into PCM audio editor,
3. conversion PCM to DFF back.

To minimize losses, PCM 32- or 64-bit float is recommended.

Multiple or non-multiple PCM sample rate does not matter to pro audio conversion software.

Target sample rate defines maximal band of a musical signal.

As a general recommendation, you can use PCM sample rate 176.4/192 or 352.8/384 kHz.

Read more about DSD editing here >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DFF audio format?

DFF audio format is DSD high-resolution music file format. Read more...

Is DFF lossless?

Yes. DFF is lossless audio format. Read details...

What are DSD music files?

DSD music files are audio file types in high resolution. Read more...

What is the difference between DSF and DFF?

In contrast DFF, DSF files has advanced support of metadata. Read more...

Is DSD better than FLAC?

Both formats are audiophile ones. Read what is better DSD or FLAC...

How do I convert a DSF file?

You can convert DSF files:

• to FLAC, WAV, mp3,...
• from FLAC, WAV, mp3,...
• from/to DSF/DFF...
• from SACD ISO files...

How do I play DFF files on PC?

You can play DFF file on PC via audio player software...

Read also

1. DSD vs DSF vs DFF Files Audio >
2. What Inside DSD Converter of Audio Files >
3. Which is best audio file format >
4. DSF File Format Audio. DSF File Extension >
5. FLAC file format >
6. Audio converter >
7. DSF DFF WAV FLAC AIFF mp3 ... converter >
8. ISO converter [1-bit audio] >
9. CD ripper audio >
10. Metadata editor >
11. Tutorials >
12. Audio Basis - educational program >

1. DFF specification

October 4, 2022 updated | since July 02, 2017