.AL File Extension

An AL file is an audio file saved in the A-Law Compressed Sound (A-Law) format, an audio format that features the standard A-Law audio compression algorithm. It typically stores a recorded voice message, most likely delivered via telephone.

The Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT) originally developed the A-Law format. However, the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) superseded the CCITT. The A-Law format is one version of the G.711 audio codec, with the other being Mu-Law, also written as µ-Law.

Much of the world, including Europe, uses the A-Law compression algorithm in 8-bit pulse code modulation (PCM) digital communications, most notably voice transmission via telephones. However, North America and Japan use Mu-Law.

The A-Law and Mu-Law compression algorithms are similar. They offer 2:1 bit compression and optimize the dynamic range of an analog audio signal for digitization. However, they provide different coding levels and bit inversion. Also, A-Law compression is used in place of Mu-Law for international calls between two countries (where one country already is using A-Law) because it provides a smaller dynamic range with less distortion.

NOTE: AL files may also use the .alaw file extension (.ALAW files).

You can open an AL file with Apple QuickTime Player in macOS.

ShedWorx Smart Converter can convert AL files to other audio file types, including the following formats:

• .MP3 - MP3 Audio File
• .WAV - WAVE Audio File
• .AAC - Advanced Audio Coding File
• .FLAC - Free Lossless Audio Codec File