Convert VOX to AFC

Understanding VOX and AFC file formats

VOX files are compressed audio files that use Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM), commonly found in telephony and voice recording systems. They are known for their low bitrate and efficient storage of voice data, but are not suitable for high-fidelity audio.

AFC files are proprietary audio formats used primarily in Nintendo GameCube and Wii games. The AFC format is a variant of ADPCM, optimized for game audio playback, and is not widely supported outside of game development and emulation communities.

How to convert VOX to AFC

Converting VOX to AFC is a specialized process due to the proprietary nature of the AFC format. Standard audio converters do not support this conversion directly. The process typically involves first converting VOX to a more common format (such as WAV), then encoding the WAV file to AFC using specialized tools.

Recommended software for VOX to AFC conversion

• VGMStream: An open-source tool that can handle various game audio formats, including AFC. It is primarily used for playback, but can also be used to convert files with command-line options.
• Audacity: Use Audacity to import and convert VOX files to WAV. Go to File → Import → Raw Data to open VOX, then File → Export → WAV.
• AFCTool: A community-developed tool for encoding WAV files to AFC format, often used in game modding.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Open your VOX file in Audacity using File → Import → Raw Data. Set the sample rate and encoding to match your VOX file specifications.
2. Export the audio as a WAV file via File → Export → WAV.
3. Use AFCTool or a similar utility to convert the WAV file to AFC. This is typically done via command line, e.g., afctool input.wav output.afc.

Tips and considerations

• Ensure you know the correct sample rate and encoding of your VOX file for accurate import.
• AFC is a niche format; compatibility is mostly limited to specific game engines and emulators.
• Always keep backups of your original files before conversion.