About Mobile XMF Content Format
Mobile XMF is the first open standard audio format to bundle a tiny Scalable-Polyphony MIDI (SP-MIDI) file, custom samples (Mobile DLS), and copyright information all in one deliverable package.
Next Step in Polyphonic Audio
Every major region of the global wireless market has accepted polyphonic ringtones as a must-have feature. Mobile XMF pushes the polyphonic trend to the next level with the addition of compact custom sound samples. Now composers and carriers alike can differentiate their content from competitors with sonically branded styles, yet be assured that every song will play back as intended on al Mobile XMF-enabled devices.
Custom Sounds
Mobile DLS (Mobile Downloadable Sounds) is a standard enabling wavetable synthesis in resource-constrained environments. Based on the music industry "DLS2" format (which is also included in MPEG-4 Structured Audio), Mobile DLS offers a subset of DLS2 functionality, while introducing new features suitable for mobile devices, such as sample compression. Including Mobile DLS in a Mobile XMF means customizing a song with anything from drum loops to vocal phrases, giving common polyphonic music a completely new sound.
Compressed Samples
A new feature for Mobile DLS, sample compression makes files even smaller by compressing the already small WAV files in each instrument. This makes Mobile XMF files perfect for transmitting over narrow-bandwidth networks.
Consistent Playback
Mobile XMF defines what a file should sound like when played on a compatible device, taking into account polyphony constraints. For composers, it means less work and guaranteed quality since any standard Mobile XMF file will render consistent playback on all Mobile XMF-enabled devices. Game and application developers will experience the same benefits from Mobile XMF as ringtone providers. With one file, an application can use custom music containing digital samples. Regardless of the the playback device, the game’s music and sound effects will play as the composer intended.
Rights Meta-data
The ability to attach metadata gives composers and content distributors a mechanism to publish the recording and distribution rights inside the actual file. Mobile XMF offers a convenient, secure way to bring unique content to customers.
Mobile XMF/DLS Features & Benefits
All Text and Graphics Courtesy of and (C)2004 Beatnik, Inc.
Mobile XMF Authoring Tools
Mobile XMF content editor applications (for computers) are available from a few companies, including Nokia, Faith, and Beatnik. Click here for a partial list.