SDS File Extension

What is SDS file?

Files with the SDS extension contain a MIDI data dump in the SDS - Sample Dump Standard format. These are raw, uncompressed data, which means their size can be significantly larger than the actual sound wave recordings. The sounds can range from 8 to 32 bits, in mono mode. The SDS format is considered obsolete and is generally no longer used.

Writing data in an SDS file

The SDS format was developed to facilitate the exchange of data between MIDI devices and is based on this standard. The following SysEx - standardized System Exclusive messages are used to write in the SDS files:

• dump request - a dump request sent by the recipient,
• dump header - a dump header created by the sender,
• dump data - a MIDI data dump from the sender,
• ACK - transmission confirmation,
• NAK - a message informing of failure,
• CANCEL - a request to end the transmission, cancellation,
• WAIT - a request to wait until the attempt to transmit is repeated.

When transmitting, the data is divided into packets, each containing up to 120 bytes. The total length of a single packet is 127 bytes. A dump type file contains both data packets and messages sent by the transmitter.

Handling SDS files through MIDI devices

Dumps to SDS files can be performed from hardware devices or audio programs. This format is supported by various hardware and software samplers. Many of them, besides playing, also allow for editing the data. Such software also makes it possible to convert to popular sound formats.

Programs which support SDS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open SDS files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. SDS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/11/2024

How to open file with SDS extension?

Problems with accessing SDS may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with SDS extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SDS files.

Step 1. Download and install QuickTime Player

Problems with opening and working with SDS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SDS files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select QuickTime Player or one of the recommended programs (for example, Winamp) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SDS files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download QuickTime Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Apple, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

If you already have QuickTime Player installed on your systems and SDS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that QuickTime Player cannot handle files with SDS may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of QuickTime Player is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign QuickTime Player to SDS files

After installing QuickTime Player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SDS files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the SDS file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where QuickTime Player is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SDS files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected SDS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select QuickTime Player and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with SDS extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the SDS for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the SDS file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the SDS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the SDS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. SDS file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with SDS extension is complete and error-free

If the SDS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the SDS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the MIDI Sample Dump Standard Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle QuickTime Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support SDS files. Close all running programs and try opening the SDS file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with MIDI Sample Dump Standard Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SDS files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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