--- layout: page title: libsndfile : the sf_command function. --- # sf_command ```c int sf_command (SNDFILE *sndfile, int cmd, void *data, int datasize) ; ``` This function allows the caller to retrieve information from or change aspects of the library behaviour. Examples include retrieving a string containing the library version or changing the scaling applied to floating point sample data during read and write. Most of these operations are performed on a per-file basis. The cmd parameter is an integer identifier which is defined in *sndfile.h*. All of the valid command identifiers have names beginning with "SFC_". Data is passed to and returned from the library by use of a void pointer. The library will not read or write more than datasize bytes from the void pointer. For some calls no data is required in which case data should be NULL and datasize may be used for some other purpose. The available commands are as follows: | Name | Description | |:------------------------------------------------------------------|:--------------------------------------------------------| | [SFC_GET_LIB_VERSION](#sfc_get_lib_version) | Retrieve the version of the library as a string. | | [SFC_GET_LOG_INFO](#sfc_get_log_info) | Retrieve the internal per-file operation log. | | [SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO](#sfc_get_current_sf_info) | Retrieve `SF_INFO` struct of opened file. | | [SFC_CALC_SIGNAL_MAX](#sfc_calc_signal_max) | Calculate the measured maximum signal value. | | [SFC_CALC_NORM_SIGNAL_MAX](#sfc_calc_norm_signal_max) | Calculate the measured normalised maximum signal value. | | [SFC_CALC_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS](#sfc_calc_max_all_channels) | Calculate the peak value for each channel. | | [SFC_CALC_NORM_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS](#sfc_calc_norm_max_all_channels) | Calculate the normalised peak for each channel. | | [SFC_GET_SIGNAL_MAX](#sfc_get_signal_max) | Retrieve the peak value for the file. | | [SFC_GET_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS](#sfc_get_max_all_channels) | Retrieve the peak value for each channel. | | [SFC_SET_NORM_FLOAT](#sfc_set_norm_float) | Set float normalisation behaviour. | | [SFC_SET_NORM_DOUBLE](#sfc_set_norm_double) | Set double normalisation behaviour. | | [SFC_GET_NORM_FLOAT](#sfc_get_norm_float) | Get float normalisation behaviour. | | [SFC_GET_NORM_DOUBLE](#sfc_get_norm_double) | Get double normalisation behaviour. | | [SFC_SET_SCALE_FLOAT_INT_READ](#sfc_set_scale_float_int_read) | Control scale factor on read. | | [SFC_SET_SCALE_INT_FLOAT_WRITE](#sfc_set_scale_int_float_write) | Control scale factor on write. | | [SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT](#sfc_get_simple_format_count) | Get simple formats count. | | [SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT](#sfc_get_simple_format) | Get information about a simple format. | | [SFC_GET_FORMAT_INFO](#sfc_get_format_info) | Get information about a major or subtype format. | | [SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR_COUNT](#sfc_get_format_major_count) | Get the number of major formats. | | [SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR](#sfc_get_format_major) | Get information about a major format type. | | [SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT](#sfc_get_format_subtype_count) | Get the number of subformats. | | [SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE](#sfc_get_format_subtype) | Get information about a subformat. | | [SFC_SET_ADD_PEAK_CHUNK](#sfc_set_add_peak_chunk) | Control PEAK chunk write to WAV and AIFF. | | [SFC_UPDATE_HEADER_NOW](#sfc_update_header_now) | Update the file header in write mode on demand. | | [SFC_SET_UPDATE_HEADER_AUTO](#sfc_set_update_header_auto) | Update the file header on each write. | | [SFC_FILE_TRUNCATE](#sfc_file_truncate) | Truncate a file open for write or for read/write. | | [SFC_SET_RAW_START_OFFSET](#sfc_set_raw_start_offset) | Change the data start offset for raw files. | | SFC_SET_DITHER_ON_WRITE | Not implemented. | | SFC_SET_DITHER_ON_READ | Not implemented. | | SFC_GET_DITHER_INFO_COUNT | Not implemented. | | SFC_GET_DITHER_INFO | Not implemented. | | [SFC_SET_CLIPPING](#sfc_set_clipping) | Control automatic clipping behaviour. | | [SFC_GET_CLIPPING](#sfc_get_clipping) | Get current clipping setting. | | [SFC_GET_EMBED_FILE_INFO](#sfc_get_embed_file_info) | Get information about embedded audio files. | | [SFC_WAVEX_GET_AMBISONIC](#sfc_wavex_get_ambisonic) | Test a WAVEX file for Ambisonic format. | | [SFC_WAVEX_SET_AMBISONIC](#sfc_wavex_set_ambisonic) | Modify a WAVEX header for Ambisonic format. | | [SFC_SET_VBR_ENCODING_QUALITY](#sfc_set_vbr_encoding_quality) | Set the Variable Bit Rate encoding quality. | | [SFC_SET_OGG_PAGE_LATENCY_MS](#sfc_set_ogg_page_latency_ms) | Set Ogg page latency for Opus file. | | [SFC_SET_COMPRESSION_LEVEL](#sfc_set_compression_level) | Set the compression level. | | [SFC_RAW_DATA_NEEDS_ENDSWAP](#sfc_raw_data_needs_endswap) | Determine if raw data needs endswapping. | | [SFC_GET_BROADCAST_INFO](#sfc_get_broadcast_info) | Get the Broadcast Chunk info. | | [SFC_SET_BROADCAST_INFO](#sfc_set_broadcast_info) | Set the Broadcast Chunk info. | | [SFC_GET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO](#sfc_get_channel_map_info) | Get the channel map info. | | [SFC_SET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO](#sfc_set_channel_map_info) | Set the channel map info. | | [SFC_SET_CART_INFO](#sfc_set_cart_info) | Set the Cart Chunk info. | | [SFC_GET_CART_INFO](#sfc_get_cart_info) | Get the Cart Chunk info. | | [SFC_GET_LOOP_INFO](#sfc_get_loop_info) | Get loop info. | | [SFC_GET_INSTRUMENT](#sfc_get_instrument) | Get instrument info. | | [SFC_SET_INSTRUMENT](#sfc_set_instrument) | Set instrument info. | | [SFC_GET_CUE_COUNT](#sfc_get_cue_count) | Get the cue marker count. | | [SFC_GET_CUE](#sfc_get_cue) | Get cue marker info. | | [SFC_SET_CUE](#sfc_set_cue) | Set cue marker info. | | [SFC_RF64_AUTO_DOWNGRADE](#sfc_rf64_auto_downgrade) | Set auto downgrade from RF64 to WAV. | | [SFC_GET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE](#sfc_get_original_samplerate) | Get original samplerate metadata. | | [SFC_SET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE](#sfc_set_original_samplerate) | Set original samplerate metadata. | --- ## SFC_GET_LIB_VERSION Retrieve the version of the library as a string. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used cmd : SFC_GET_LIB_VERSION data : A pointer to a char buffer datasize : The size of the buffer ### Examples ```c char buffer [128] ; sf_command (NULL, SFC_GET_LIB_VERSION, buffer, sizeof (buffer)) ; ``` ### Return value This call will return the length of the retrieved version string. ### Notes The string returned in the buffer passed to this function will not overflow the buffer and will always be null terminated . ## SFC_GET_LOG_INFO Retrieve the internal per-file operation log. This log buffer can often contain a good reason for why libsndfile failed to open a particular file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_LOG_INFO data : A pointer to a char buffer datasize : The size of the buffer Example: ```c char buffer [2048] ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_LOG_INFO, buffer, sizeof (buffer)) ; ``` ### Return value This call will return the length of the retrieved version string. ### Notes The string returned in the buffer passed to this function will not overflow the buffer and will always be null terminated. ## SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO Retrieve `SF_INFO` struct of opened file. `SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO` command copies `SF_INFO` struct of `sndfile` object to provided buffer. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO data : A pointer to a valid SF_INFO* pointer datasize : sizeof (SF_INFO) ### Examples ```c SF_INFO sfinfo ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO, sfinfo, sizeof (SF_INFO)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero on success, non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_CALC_SIGNAL_MAX Retrieve the measured maximum signal value. This involves reading through the whole file which can be slow on large files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_CALC_SIGNAL_MAX data : A pointer to a double datasize : sizeof (double) ### Examples ```c double max_val ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_CALC_SIGNAL_MAX, &max_val, sizeof (max_val)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero on success, non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_CALC_NORM_SIGNAL_MAX Retrieve the measured normalised maximum signal value. This involves reading through the whole file which can be slow on large files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_CALC_NORM_SIGNAL_MAX data : A pointer to a double datasize : sizeof (double) ### Examples ```c double max_val ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_CALC_NORM_SIGNAL_MAX, &max_val, sizeof (max_val)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero on success, non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_CALC_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS Calculate the peak value (ie a single number) for each channel. This involves reading through the whole file which can be slow on large files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_CALC_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS data : A pointer to a double datasize : sizeof (double) * number_of_channels ### Examples ```c double peaks [number_of_channels] ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_CALC_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS, peaks, sizeof (peaks)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero if peaks have been calculated successfully and non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_CALC_NORM_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS Calculate the normalised peak for each channel. This involves reading through the whole file which can be slow on large files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_CALC_NORM_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS data : A pointer to a double datasize : sizeof (double) * number_of_channels ### Examples ```c double peaks [number_of_channels] ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_CALC_NORM_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS, peaks, sizeof (peaks)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero if peaks have been calculated successfully and non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_GET_SIGNAL_MAX Retrieve the peak value for the file as stored in the file header. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_SIGNAL_MAX data : A pointer to a double datasize : sizeof (double) ### Examples ```c double max_peak ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_SIGNAL_MAX, &max_peak, sizeof (max_peak)) ; ``` ### Return value SF_TRUE if the file header contained the peak value. SF_FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_GET_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS Retrieve the peak value for the file as stored in the file header. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_SIGNAL_MAX data : A pointer to an array of doubles datasize : sizeof (double) * number_of_channels ### Example ```c double peaks [number_of_channels] ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_MAX_ALL_CHANNELS, peaks, sizeof (peaks)) ; ``` ### Return value SF_TRUE if the file header contains per channel peak values for the file, SF_FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_SET_NORM_FLOAT This command only affects data read from or written to using the floating point functions: ```c size_t sf_read_float (SNDFILE *sndfile, float *ptr, size_t items) ; size_t sf_readf_float (SNDFILE *sndfile, float *ptr, size_t frames) ; size_t sf_write_float (SNDFILE *sndfile, float *ptr, size_t items) ; size_t sf_writef_float (SNDFILE *sndfile, float *ptr, size_t frames) ; ``` ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_NORM_FLOAT data : NULL datasize : SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE For read operations setting normalisation to SF_TRUE means that the data from all subsequent reads will be be normalised to the range [-1.0, 1.0]. For write operations, setting normalisation to SF_TRUE means than all data supplied to the float write functions should be in the range [-1.0, 1.0] and will be scaled for the file format as necessary. For both cases, setting normalisation to SF_FALSE means that no scaling will take place. ### Examples ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_NORM_FLOAT, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_NORM_FLOAT, NULL, SF_FALSE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns the previous float normalisation mode. ## SFC_SET_NORM_DOUBLE This command only affects data read from or written to using the double precision floating point functions: ```c size_t sf_read_double (SNDFILE *sndfile, double *ptr, size_t items) ; size_t sf_readf_double (SNDFILE *sndfile, double *ptr, size_t frames) ; size_t sf_write_double (SNDFILE *sndfile, double *ptr, size_t items) ; size_t sf_writef_double (SNDFILE *sndfile, double *ptr, size_t frames) ; ``` ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_NORM_DOUBLE data : NULL datasize : SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE For read operations setting normalisation to SF_TRUE means that the data from all subsequent reads will be be normalised to the range [-1.0, 1.0]. For write operations, setting normalisation to SF_TRUE means than all data supplied to the double write functions should be in the range [-1.0, 1.0] and will be scaled for the file format as necessary. For both cases, setting normalisation to SF_FALSE means that no scaling will take place. ### Examples ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_NORM_DOUBLE, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_NORM_DOUBLE, NULL, SF_FALSE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns the previous double normalisation mode. ## SFC_GET_NORM_FLOAT Retrieve the current float normalisation mode. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_NORM_FLOAT data : NULL datasize : anything ### Examples ```c normalisation = sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_NORM_FLOAT, NULL, 0) ; ``` ### Return value Returns TRUE if normalisation is on and FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_GET_NORM_DOUBLE Retrieve the current float normalisation mode. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_NORM_DOUBLE data : NULL datasize : anything Example: ```c normalisation = sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_NORM_DOUBLE, NULL, 0) ; ``` ### Return value Returns TRUE if normalisation is on and FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_SET_SCALE_FLOAT_INT_READ Set/clear the scale factor when integer (short/int) data is read from a file containing floating point data. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd: SFC_SET_SCALE_FLOAT_INT_READ data : NULL datasize : TRUE or FALSE Example: ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_SCALE_FLOAT_INT_READ, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns the previous `SFC_SET_SCALE_FLOAT_INT_READ` setting for this file. ## SFC_SET_SCALE_INT_FLOAT_WRITE Set/clear the scale factor when integer (short/int) data is written to a file as floating point data. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_SCALE_INT_FLOAT_WRITE data : NULL datasize : TRUE or FALSE ### Examples ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_SCALE_INT_FLOAT_WRITE, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns the previous `SFC_SET_SCALE_INT_FLOAT_WRITE` setting for this file. ## SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT Retrieve the number of simple formats supported by libsndfile. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT data : a pointer to an int datasize : sizeof (int) ### Examples ```c int count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; ``` ### Return value `0`. ## SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT Retrieve information about a simple format. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT data : a pointer to an SF_FORMAT_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_FORMAT_INFO) The SF_FORMAT_INFO struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { int format ; const char *name ; const char *extension ; } SF_FORMAT_INFO ; ``` When `sf_command()` is called with `SF_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT`, the value of the format field should be the format number (ie 0 \<= format \<= count value obtained using `SF_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT). ### Examples ```c SF_FORMAT_INFO format_info ; int k, count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; for (k = 0 ; k < count ; k++) { format_info.format = k ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_SIMPLE_FORMAT, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; printf ("%08x %s %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name, format_info.extension) ; } ; ``` ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. The value of the format field of the `SF_FORMAT_INFO` struct will be a value which can be placed in the format field of an `SF_INFO` struct when a file is to be opened for write. The name field will contain a char\* pointer to the name of the string, eg. "WAV (Microsoft 16 bit PCM)". The extension field will contain the most commonly used file extension for that file type. ## SFC_GET_FORMAT_INFO Retrieve information about a major or subtype format. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_FORMAT_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_FORMAT_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_FORMAT_INFO) The `SF_FORMAT_INFO` struct is defined in \ as: ```c typedef struct { int format ; const char *name ; const char *extension ; } SF_FORMAT_INFO ; ``` When `sf_command()` is called with `SF_GET_FORMAT_INFO`, the format field is examined and if (format & `SF_FORMAT_TYPEMASK`) is a valid format then the struct is filled in with information about the given major type. If (format & `SF_FORMAT_TYPEMASK`) is FALSE and (format & `SF_FORMAT_SUBMASK`) is a valid subtype format then the struct is filled in with information about the given subtype. ### Examples ```c SF_FORMAT_INFO format_info ; format_info.format = SF_FORMAT_WAV ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_INFO, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; printf ("%08x %s %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name, format_info.extension) ; format_info.format = SF_FORMAT_ULAW ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_INFO, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; printf ("%08x %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name) ; ``` ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR_COUNT Retrieve the number of major formats. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR_COUNT data : a pointer to an int datasize : sizeof (int) ### Examples ```c int count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; ``` ### Return value 0. ## SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR Retrieve information about a major format type. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR data : a pointer to an SF_FORMAT_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_FORMAT_INFO) ### Examples ```c SF_FORMAT_INFO format_info ; int k, count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; for (k = 0 ; k < count ; k++) { format_info.format = k ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_MAJOR, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; printf ("%08x %s %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name, format_info.extension) ; } ; ``` For a more comprehensive example, see the program `list_formats.c` in the `examples/` directory of the libsndfile source code distribution. ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. The value of the format field will be one of the major format identifiers such as `SF_FORMAT_WAV` or `SF_FORMAT`_AIFF. The name field will contain a char\* pointer to the name of the string, eg. "WAV (Microsoft)". The extension field will contain the most commonly used file extension for that file type. ## SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT Retrieve the number of subformats. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT data : a pointer to an int datasize : sizeof (int) ### Examples ```c int count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; ``` ### Return value Returns zero. ## SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE Enumerate the subtypes (this function does not translate a subtype into a string describing that subtype). A typical use case might be retrieving a string description of all subtypes so that a dialog box can be filled in. ### Parameters sndfile : Not used. cmd : SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE data : a pointer to an SF_FORMAT_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_FORMAT_INFO) ### Examples Example 1: Retrieve all sybtypes supported by the WAV format. ```c SF_FORMAT_INFO format_info ; int k, count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; for (k = 0 ; k < count ; k++) { format_info.format = k ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; if (! sf_format_check (format_info.format | SF_FORMAT_WAV)) continue ; printf ("%08x %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name) ; } ; ``` Example 2: Print a string describing the `SF_FORMAT_PCM_16` subtype. ```c SF_FORMAT_INFO format_info ; int k, count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE_COUNT, &count, sizeof (int)) ; for (k = 0 ; k < count ; k++) { format_info.format = k ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_FORMAT_SUBTYPE, &format_info, sizeof (format_info)) ; if (format_info.format == SF_FORMAT_PCM_16) { printf ("%08x %s\n", format_info.format, format_info.name) ; break ; } ; } ; ``` For a more comprehensive example, see the program `list_formats.c` in the `examples/` directory of the libsndfile source code distribution. ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. The value of the format field will be one of the major format identifiers such as `SF_FORMAT_WAV` or `SF_FORMAT_AIFF`. The name field will contain a char\* pointer to the name of the string; for instance "WAV (Microsoft)" or "AIFF (Apple/SGI)". The extension field will be a NULL pointer. ## SFC_SET_ADD_PEAK_CHUNK By default, WAV and AIFF files which contain floating point data (subtype `SF_FORMAT_FLOAT` or `SF_FORMAT_DOUBLE`) have a PEAK chunk. By using this command, the addition of a PEAK chunk can be turned on or off. **Note**: This call must be made before any data is written to the file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_ADD_PEAK_CHUNK data : Not used (should be NULL) datasize : TRUE or FALSE. ### Examples ```c /* Turn on the PEAK chunk. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_ADD_PEAK_CHUNK, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; /* Turn off the PEAK chunk. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_ADD_PEAK_CHUNK, NULL, SF_FALSE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns SF_TRUE if the peak chunk will be written after this call. Returns SF_FALSE if the peak chunk will not be written after this call. ## SFC_UPDATE_HEADER_NOW The header of an audio file is normally written by libsndfile when the file is closed using [**sf_close()**](api.md#file-close-function). There are however situations where large files are being generated and it would be nice to have valid data in the header before the file is complete. Using this command will update the file header to reflect the amount of data written to the file so far. Other programs opening the file for read (before any more data is written) will then read a valid sound file header. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_UPDATE_HEADER_NOW data : Not used (should be NULL) datasize : Not used. ### Examples ```c /* Update the header now. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_UPDATE_HEADER_NOW, NULL, 0) ; ``` ### Return value Returns zero. ## SFC_SET_UPDATE_HEADER_AUTO Similar to `SFC_UPDATE_HEADER_NOW` but updates the header at the end of every call to the [sf_write\*](api.md#write) functions. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_UPDATE_HEADER_AUTO data : Not used (should be NULL) datasize : `SF_TRUE` or `SF_FALSE` ### Examples ```c /* Turn on auto header update. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_UPDATE_HEADER_AUTO, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; /* Turn off auto header update. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_UPDATE_HEADER_AUTO, NULL, SF_FALSE) ; ``` ### Return value TRUE if auto update header is now on; FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_FILE_TRUNCATE Truncate a file that was opened for write or read/write. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_FILE_TRUNCATE data : A pointer to an sf_count_t. datasize : sizeof (sf_count_t) Truncate the file to the number of frames specified by the sf_count_t pointed to by data. After this command, both the read and the write pointer will be at the new end of the file. This command will fail (returning non-zero) if the requested truncate position is beyond the end of the file. ### Examples ```c /* Truncate the file to a length of 20 frames. */ sf_count_t frames = 20 ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_FILE_TRUNCATE, &frames, sizeof (frames)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero on sucess, non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_SET_RAW_START_OFFSET Change the data start offset for files opened up as `SF_FORMAT_RAW`. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_RAW_START_OFFSET data : A pointer to an sf_count_t. datasize : sizeof (sf_count_t) For a file opened as format `SF_FORMAT_RAW`, set the data offset to the value given by `data`. ### Examples ```c /* Reset the data offset to 5 bytes from the start of the file. */ sf_count_t offset = 5 ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_RAW_START_OFFSET, &offset, sizeof (offset)) ; ``` ### Return value Zero on success, non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_SET_CLIPPING Turn on/off automatic clipping when doing floating point to integer conversion. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_CLIPPING data : NULL datasize : SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE. Turn on (datasize == SF_TRUE) or off (datasize == SF_FALSE) clipping. ### Examples ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_CLIPPING, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; ``` ### Return value Clipping mode (SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE). ## SFC_GET_CLIPPING Turn on/off automatic clipping when doing floating point to integer conversion. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CLIPPING data : NULL datasize : 0 Retrieve the current cliiping setting. ### Examples ```c sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_CLIPPING, NULL, 0) ; ``` ### Return value Clipping mode (SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE). ## SFC_GET_EMBED_FILE_INFO Get the file offset and file length of a file enbedded within another larger file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_EMBED_FILE_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO) The `SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO` struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { sf_count_t offset ; sf_count_t length ; } SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO ; ``` ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. The value of the offset field of the `SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO` struct will be the offsets in bytes from the start of the outer file to the start of the audio file. The value of the offset field of the `SF_EMBED_FILE_INFO` struct will be the length in bytes of the embedded file. ## SFC_WAVEX_GET_AMBISONIC Test if the current file has the GUID of a WAVEX file for any of the Ambisonic formats. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_WAVEX_GET_AMBISONIC data : NULL datasize : 0 The Ambisonic WAVEX formats are defined here: . ### Return value `SF_AMBISONIC_NONE(0x40)` or `SF_AMBISONIC_B_FORMAT(0x41)` or zero if the file format does not support ambisonic formats. ## SFC_WAVEX_SET_AMBISONIC Set the GUID of a new WAVEX file to indicate an Ambisonics format. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_WAVEX_SET_AMBISONIC data : NULL datasize : SF_AMBISONIC_NONE or SF_AMBISONIC_B_FORMAT Turn on (`SF_AMBISONIC_B_FORMAT(0x41)`) or off (`SF_AMBISONIC_NONE(0x40)`) encoding. This command is currently only supported for files with `SF_FORMAT_WAVEX` format. The Ambisonic WAVEX formats are defined here: . ### Return value Return the ambisonic value that has just been set or zero if the file format does not support ambisonic encoding. ## SFC_SET_VBR_ENCODING_QUALITY Set the Variable Bit Rate encoding quality. The encoding quality value should be between 0.0 (lowest quality) and 1.0 (highest quality). Currenly this command is only implemented for FLAC and Ogg/Vorbis files. It has no effect on un-compressed file formats. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_VBR_ENCODING_QUALITY data : A pointer to a double value datasize : sizeof (double) The command must be sent before any audio data is written to the file. ### Return value SF_TRUE if VBR encoding quality was set. SF_FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_SET_OGG_PAGE_LATENCY_MS Set page latency for Ogg Opus file in milliseconds. The value should be between 50.0 and 1600.0. This command is only implemented for Ogg Opus files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_OGG_PAGE_LATENCY_MS data : A pointer to a double value datasize : sizeof (double) ### Return value 0 on success and non-zero otherwise. ## SFC_SET_COMPRESSION_LEVEL Set the compression level. The compression level should be between 0.0 (minimum compression level) and 1.0 (highest compression level). Currenly this command is only implemented for FLAC and Ogg/Vorbis files. It has no effect on uncompressed file formats. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_COMPRESSION_LEVEL data : A pointer to a double value datasize : sizeof (double) The command must be sent before any audio data is written to the file. ### Return value SF_TRUE if compression level was set. SF_FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_RAW_DATA_NEEDS_ENDSWAP Determine if raw data read using [sf_read_raw()](api.md#raw) needs to be end swapped on the host CPU. For instance, will return SF_TRUE on when reading WAV containing `SF_FORMAT_PCM_16` data on a big endian machine and `SF_FALSE` on a little endian machine. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_RAW_DATA_NEEDS_ENDSWAP data : NULL datasize : 0 ### Return value `SF_TRUE` or `SF_FALSE`. ## SFC_GET_BROADCAST_INFO Retrieve the Broadcast Extension Chunk from WAV (and related) files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_BROADCAST_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_BROADCAST_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_BROADCAST_INFO) The SF_BROADCAST_INFO struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { char description [256] ; char originator [32] ; char originator_reference [32] ; char origination_date [10] ; char origination_time [8] ; unsigned int time_reference_low ; unsigned int time_reference_high ; short version ; char umid [64] ; char reserved [190] ; unsigned int coding_history_size ; char coding_history [256] ; } SF_BROADCAST_INFO ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file contained a Broadcast Extension chunk or `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_SET_BROADCAST_INFO Set the Broadcast Extension Chunk for WAV (and related) files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_BROADCAST_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_BROADCAST_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_BROADCAST_INFO) ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if setting the Broadcast Extension chunk was successful and `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO Retrieve the channel map contained in an AIFF or CAF Channel Layout chunk. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO data : a pointer to an array of int, the same size as the number of channels in the file datasize : number of channels * sizeof (int) Channel map positions are defined in an enum in *sndfile.h*: | Name | Value | Description | |:-------------------------------------|:------|:------------------------------------------------------------------| | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_INVALID | 0 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_MONO | 1 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_LEFT | 2 | Apple calls this 'Left' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_RIGHT | 3 | Apple calls this 'Right' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_CENTER | 4 | Apple calls this 'Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_FRONT_LEFT | 5 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_FRONT_RIGHT | 6 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_FRONT_CENTER | 7 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_REAR_CENTER | 8 | Apple calls this 'Center Surround', Msft calls this 'Back Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_REAR_LEFT | 9 | Apple calls this 'Left Surround', Msft calls this 'Back Left' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_REAR_RIGHT | 10 | Apple calls this 'Right Surround', Msft calls this 'Back Right' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_LFE | 11 | Apple calls this 'LFEScreen', Msft calls this 'Low Frequency' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_FRONT_LEFT_OF_CENTER | 12 | Apple calls this 'Left Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_FRONT_RIGHT_OF_CENTER | 13 | Apple calls this 'Right Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_SIDE_LEFT | 14 | Apple calls this 'Left Surround Direct' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_SIDE_RIGHT | 15 | Apple calls this 'Right Surround Direct' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_CENTER | 16 | Apple calls this 'Top Center Surround' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_FRONT_LEFT | 17 | Apple calls this 'Vertical Height Left' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_FRONT_RIGHT | 18 | Apple calls this 'Vertical Height Right' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_FRONT_CENTER | 19 | Apple calls this 'Vertical Height Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_REAR_LEFT | 20 | Apple and MS call this 'Top Back Left' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_REAR_RIGHT | 21 | Apple and MS call this 'Top Back Right' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_TOP_REAR_CENTER | 22 | Apple and MS call this 'Top Back Center' | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_AMBISONIC_B_W | 23 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_AMBISONIC_B_X | 24 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_AMBISONIC_B_Y | 25 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_AMBISONIC_B_Z | 26 | | | SF_CHANNEL_MAP_MAX | 27 | | ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file contained a Channel Layout chunk or `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_SET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO Set the channel map contained in an AIFF or CAF Channel Layout chunk. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_CHANNEL_MAP_INFO data : a pointer to an array of int, the same size as the number of channels in the file datasize : number of channels * sizeof (int) ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if setting the Channel Layout chunk was successful and `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_CART_INFO Retrieve the Cart Chunk from WAV (and related) files. Based on AES46 standard for CartChunk (see [CartChunk.org](http://www.cartchunk.org/) for more information. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CART_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_CART_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_CART_INFO) The SF_CART_INFO struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c #define SF_CART_INFO_VAR(p_tag_text_size) \ struct { char version [4] ; char title [64] ; char artist [64] ; char cut_id [64] ; char client_id [64] ; char category [64] ; char classification [64] ; char out_cue [64] ; char start_date [10] ; char start_time [8] ; char end_date [10] ; char end_time [8] ; char producer_app_id [64] ; char producer_app_version [64] ; char user_def [64] ; long level_reference ; SF_CART_TIMER post_timers [8] ; char reserved [276] ; char url [1024] ; unsigned int tag_text_size ; char tag_text[p_tag_text_size] ; } ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file contained a Cart chunk or `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_SET_CART_INFO Set the Cart Chunk for WAV (and related) files. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_CART_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_CART_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_CART_INFO) ### Return value SF_TRUE if setting the Cart chunk was successful and SF_FALSE otherwise. ## SFC_GET_LOOP_INFO Retrieve loop information for file including time signature, length in beats and original MIDI base note ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_LOOP_INFO data : a pointer to an SF_LOOP_INFO struct datasize : sizeof (SF_LOOP_INFO) The SF_LOOP_INFO struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { short time_sig_num ; /* any positive integer > 0 */ short time_sig_den ; /* any positive power of 2 > 0 */ int loop_mode ; /* see SF_LOOP enum */ int num_beats ; /* this is NOT the amount of quarter notes !!!*/ /* a full bar of 4/4 is 4 beats */ /* a full bar of 7/8 is 7 beats */ float bpm ; /* suggestion, as it can be calculated using other fields:*/ /* file's lenght, file's sampleRate and our time_sig_den*/ /* -> bpms are always the amount of _quarter notes_ per minute */ int root_key ; /* MIDI note, or -1 for None */ int future [6] ; } SF_LOOP_INFO ; ``` ### Examples ```c SF_LOOP_INFO loop; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_LOOP_INFO, &loop, sizeof (loop)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains loop information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_INSTRUMENT Retrieve instrument information from file including MIDI base note, keyboard mapping and looping informations(start/stop and mode). ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_INSTRUMENT data : a pointer to an SF_INSTRUMENT struct datasize : sizeof (SF_INSTRUMENT) The `SF_INSTRUMENT` struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { int gain ; char basenote, detune ; char velocity_lo, velocity_hi ; char key_lo, key_hi ; int loop_count ; struct { int mode ; unsigned int start ; unsigned int end ; unsigned int count ; } loops [16] ; /* make variable in a sensible way */ } SF_INSTRUMENT ; ``` `mode` values are defined as: | Name | Value | Description | |:--------------------|:------|:------------| | SF_LOOP_NONE | 800 | | | SF_LOOP_FORWARD | 801 | | | SF_LOOP_BACKWARD | 802 | | | SF_LOOP_ALTERNATING | 803 | | ### Examples ```c SF_INSTRUMENT inst ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_INSTRUMENT, &inst, sizeof (inst)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains instrument information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_SET_INSTRUMENT Set the instrument information for the file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_INSTRUMENT data : a pointer to an SF_INSTRUMENT struct datasize : sizeof (SF_INSTRUMENT) ### Examples ```c SF_INSTRUMENT inst ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_INSTRUMENT, &inst, sizeof (inst)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains instrument information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_CUE_COUNT Retrieve the number of cue markers available for retrieval using the [SFC_GET_CUE](#sfc_get_cue) command. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CUE_COUNT data : a pointer to a uint32_t datasize : sizeof (uint32_t) ### Examples ```c uint32_t cue_count ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_CUE_COUNT, &cue_count, sizeof (cue_count)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains cue marker information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_CUE Retrieve cue marker information from file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_CUE data : a pointer to an SF_CUES struct datasize : sizeof (SF_CUES) The SF_CUES struct is defined in *sndfile.h* as: ```c typedef struct { int cue_count ; struct { int32_t indx ; uint32_t position ; int32_t fcc_chunk ; int32_t chunk_start ; int32_t block_start ; uint32_t sample_offset ; char name [256] ; } cue_points [100] ; } SF_CUES ; ``` There is also an SF_CUES_VAR \#define that allows reading/writing more than 100 cue markers. ### Examples ```c SF_CUES cues ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_CUE, &cues, sizeof (cues)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains cue marker information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_SET_CUE Set the cue marker information for the file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_CUE data : a pointer to an SF_CUES struct datasize : sizeof (SF_CUES) ### Examples ```c SF_CUES cues ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_CUE, &cues, sizeof (cues)) ; ``` ### Return value `SF_TRUE` if the file header contains cue marker information for the file, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_RF64_AUTO_DOWNGRADE Enable auto downgrade from RF64 to WAV. The EBU recomendation is that when writing RF64 files and the resulting file is less than 4Gig in size, it should be downgraded to a WAV file (WAV files have a maximum size of 4Gig). libsndfile doesn't follow the EBU recommendations exactly, mainly because the test suite needs to be able test reading/writing RF64 files without having to generate files larger than 4 gigabytes. Note: This command should be issued before the first bit of audio data has been written to the file. Calling this command after audio data has been written will return the current value of this setting, but will not allow it to be changed. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_RF64_AUTO_DOWNGRADE data : NULL datasize : SF_TRUE or SF_FALSE ### Examples ```c /* Enable auto downgrade on file close. */ sf_command (sndfile, SFC_RF64_AUTO_DOWNGRADE, NULL, SF_TRUE) ; ``` ### Return value Returns `SF_TRUE` if `SFC_RF64_AUTO_DOWNGRADE` is set and `SF_FALSE` otherwise. ## SFC_GET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE Get original samplerate metadata. The Opus audio codec stores audio data independent of samplerate, but only supports encoding or decoding at 8000Hz, 12000Hz, 16000Hz, 24000Hz or 48000Hz. Opus includes a header field to record the original source input samplerate, and a samplerate converter may be used if needed. This command gets the original samplerate header field. It does not enable any (non-existent) samplerate conversion, nor change the current decoder samplerate. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_GET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE data : pointer to an integer datasize : sizeof (int) ### Examples ```c /* Get the original sample rate */ int original_samplerate ; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_GET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE, &original_samplerate, sizeof (original_samplerate)) ; ``` ### Return value Returns `SF_TRUE` on success, `SF_FALSE` otherwise. The passed integer is set to the value of the original samplerate. ## SFC_SET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE Set original samplerate metadata. The Opus audio codec stores audio data independent of samplerate, but only supports encoding or decoding at 8000Hz, 12000Hz, 16000Hz, 24000Hz or 48000Hz. Opus includes a header field to record the original source input samplerate, and a samplerate converter may be used if needed. When writing an Opus file this command sets the original samplerate header field to the provided value, which is then stored in the file. This has no effect on the current encoder samplerate. When reading an Opus file this command overrides the original samplerate value as read from the file. libsndfile uses this value to choose what samplerate to decode at, rounding up to the nearest valid Opus samplerate. After a successful call, the file samplerate and frames count may have changed. Note: This command should be issued before the first bit of audio data has been read from or written to the file. ### Parameters sndfile : A valid SNDFILE* pointer cmd : SFC_SET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE data : pointer to an integer datasize : sizeof (int) ### Examples ```c /* Store the original sample rate as 44100 */ int original_samplerate 44100; sf_command (sndfile, SFC_SET_ORIGINAL_SAMPLERATE, &original_samplerate, sizeof (input_samplerate)) ; ``` ### Return value Returns SF_TRUE on success, SF_FALSE otherwise. On write, can only succeed if no data has been written. On read, if successful, [SFC_GET_CURRENT_SF_INFO](#sfc_get_current_sf_info) should be called to determine the new frames count and samplerate