Technology

BRSTM File (What It Is & How To Open One)

Published: October 8, 2023

Modified: October 11, 2023

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What is a BRSTM file?

A BRSTM file is an audio file format commonly used for music in video games. The acronym stands for “Binary Revolution Stream”, and it was created by Nintendo for their consoles, such as the Wii and the Nintendo DS. BRSTM files are primarily used for storing background music and sound effects in games.

BRSTM files contain compressed audio data, allowing game developers to include high-quality audio while keeping the file size small. The compression used in BRSTM files is called the “Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation” (ADPCM), which strikes a balance between audio quality and file size.

These files have a .brstm file extension and are typically found within game directories on the console’s storage or on game discs. They can also be extracted from game ROMs or downloaded from the internet.

BRSTM files are not playable on standard media players like Windows Media Player or iTunes. Instead, they require specific software or tools designed to open and play these files.

It’s worth noting that BRSTM files are not limited to Nintendo consoles, as other game developers have adopted this file format for their own games, particularly those developed for the Wii and GameCube platforms.

How to open a BRSTM file on Windows

To open a BRSTM file on Windows, you will need specialized media players or audio conversion software that supports this file format. Here are a few methods you can try:

  1. VGMTrans: VGMTrans is a popular open-source application for Windows that allows you to open and convert BRSTM files. It supports a wide range of video game music formats and provides a user-friendly interface for viewing and converting audio files.
  2. BrawlBox: BrawlBox is a tool primarily used for modding Super Smash Bros. games, but it can also open and play BRSTM files. This software offers a comprehensive set of features for audio and visual editing and playback.
  3. vgmstream: vgmstream is a command-line tool that enables playback and conversion of various video game music formats, including BRSTM files. While it doesn’t have a graphical interface, it offers powerful functionality and is often used by advanced users and developers.

Once you have installed one of these tools, you can simply open the BRSTM file by selecting the “Open” option from the file menu or by dragging and dropping the file into the software window. The application will then decode and play the audio stored within the BRSTM file.

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can also search for media players that have built-in support for BRSTM files. Some media players, like Foobar2000 and VLC media player, can play BRSTM files with the help of plugins or extensions. These plugins extend the player’s functionality and allow it to recognize and play BRSTM files seamlessly.

Remember, the steps for opening a BRSTM file on Windows may vary depending on the software you choose to use. It’s a good idea to explore the documentation and support resources provided with the software for more detailed instructions.

How to open a BRSTM file on Mac

If you’re using a Mac, opening a BRSTM file may require specific software or media players that support this file format. Here are a few methods you can try:

  1. VGMTrans: VGMTrans is an open-source application that works on both Windows and Mac systems. It allows you to open and convert BRSTM files, among other video game music formats. Simply download the Mac version of VGMTrans and install it on your computer. Then, you can open the BRSTM file through the application’s user-friendly interface.
  2. BrawlBox: BrawlBox, mentioned earlier in the Windows section, also has a Mac version. This tool is primarily used for modding Super Smash Bros. games but can also open and play BRSTM files. Install BrawlBox on your Mac, and you’ll be able to view and play BRSTM files within the application.
  3. VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including BRSTM files. Download and install VLC on your Mac, then open the program. From the “File” menu, select “Open File” and navigate to the location of the BRSTM file. VLC will recognize and play the BRSTM file for you.

These are just a few options available for opening BRSTM files on a Mac. Additionally, you can explore other media players or audio conversion software that offer compatibility with BRSTM files. Some software, such as Foobar2000 and Audacity, may require plugins or extensions to handle BRSTM files on a Mac.

Remember to consult the documentation and support resources provided by the software you choose for more detailed instructions on opening and playing BRSTM files on a Mac.

How to open a BRSTM file on Linux

If you are using a Linux operating system and want to open a BRSTM file, there are several methods and tools available that can help you accomplish this. Here are a few options:

  1. VGMTrans: VGMTrans is an open-source application that supports Linux and is designed specifically for working with video game music formats, including BRSTM files. You can download the Linux version of VGMTrans and install it on your system. Once installed, you can use the application to open and convert BRSTM files.
  2. BrawlBox: BrawlBox, mentioned earlier for Windows and Mac, also has a Linux version. This tool can open and play BRSTM files, along with offering additional features for audio and visual editing. Install BrawlBox on your Linux system and use it to open the BRSTM file of your choice.
  3. vgmstream: vgmstream is a command-line tool designed for Linux that supports various video game audio formats, including BRSTM. To use vgmstream, you will need to install it through your package manager or compile it from source. Once installed, you can open the BRSTM file using the appropriate vgmstream command in the terminal.

Additionally, you can explore media players that are compatible with BRSTM files on Linux. VLC Media Player, for example, is a popular multimedia player that has a Linux version and can handle BRSTM files. Install VLC on your Linux system, open the program, and navigate to the BRSTM file using the “Open File” option in the “File” menu.

Remember to consult the documentation or support resources provided by the software you choose for more detailed instructions on opening and playing BRSTM files on Linux. Additionally, community forums and online resources may provide helpful insights for working with BRSTM files on Linux systems.

How to convert a BRSTM file to another format

If you have a BRSTM file and you need to convert it to a different audio format, there are several methods and tools available that can help you accomplish this. Here are a few options:

  1. VGMTrans: VGMTrans, which supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, also provides the ability to convert BRSTM files to other audio formats. After opening the BRSTM file in VGMTrans, you can choose the export or convert function to save the file in a different format. VGMTrans supports various popular audio file formats, such as WAV, MP3, and OGG.
  2. Audio converter software: Many audio converter software programs, such as Audacity, support multiple audio formats and can convert BRSTM files to other formats. Simply open the BRSTM file in the software, select the desired output format, and choose the export option to save the file in the new format.
  3. Online converters: There are several online audio converter websites that offer the ability to convert BRSTM files to different formats. Upload the BRSTM file to one of these websites, select the desired output format, and start the conversion. Once the conversion is complete, you can download the converted file to your computer.

When choosing a conversion method, consider factors such as the software’s compatibility with your operating system, the output format options, and any additional features provided by the software. Additionally, ensure that you choose a reputable source for online file conversion to maintain the security and privacy of your data.

It’s important to note that during the conversion process, the audio quality may be affected. Be sure to choose the appropriate settings to achieve the desired balance between file size and audio quality.

By using one of these methods, you can easily convert a BRSTM file to a different audio format and ensure compatibility with various media players and devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about BRSTM files:

  1. Q: How can I play BRSTM files on my mobile device?

    2. A: To play BRSTM files on your mobile device, you need to convert them to a compatible audio format, such as MP3 or AAC. You can use audio converter software or online conversion tools to convert the BRSTM file to the desired format and then transfer it to your mobile device.

  2. Q: Are BRSTM files compatible with all media players?

    3. A: No, BRSTM files are not compatible with all media players. They require specific software or media players that support this file format. However, you can convert BRSTM files to widely supported formats like WAV, MP3, or OGG for broader compatibility with media players.

  3. Q: Can I edit BRSTM files?

    4. A: Yes, you can edit BRSTM files using audio editing software like Audacity. This allows you to make modifications to the audio, such as adjusting volume levels, adding effects, or trimming the file. Keep in mind that editing BRSTM files may require some technical knowledge and familiarity with audio editing software.

  4. Q: Can I extract audio from BRSTM files?

    5. A: Yes, you can extract audio from BRSTM files using various tools and methods. You can use software like VGMTrans or BrawlBox to extract the audio data from the BRSTM file and save it as a separate audio file in a different format.

  5. Q: Can I convert a BRSTM file back to its original format?

    6. A: Converting a BRSTM file back to its original format is not a straightforward process. BRSTM files are typically compressed, and the conversion process involves decoding and decompressing the audio data. However, you can convert a BRSTM file to a different format, such as WAV or MP3, for better compatibility and playback on various devices.

These are just a few of the common questions related to BRSTM files. If you have any additional queries, consult the documentation or support resources of the specific software you are using, or seek assistance from online communities and forums.

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Written by Darsey Furtado

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