MLP File

What are MLP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MLP file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your MLP files.

What is a MLP file?

MLP files have multiple uses, and Meridian Lossless Packing Audio is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Meridian Lossless Packing Audio

A Meridian Lossless Packing Audio file (extension .mlp) contains audio data that has been losslessly compressed using a method created by Meridian Audio for preserving high-quality PCM audio exactly as the original. It is most commonly used on DVD-Audio discs so that multi-channel, high-sample-rate, high-bit-depth audio can be stored without loss of fidelity. The format allows a DVD-Audio disc to hold full resolution 5.1 surround or stereo content while keeping to DVD data-rate limits.

Specifically, MLP is used for compressing linear PCM audio so that audio which would otherwise exceed the maximum transfer rate of 9.6 megabits per second for DVD-Audio (for example, 6 channels at 24 bits/96 kHz) can still be included. On playback, the data is decoded to PCM exactly bit-for-bit, so the reproduced sound matches the original before compression.

This format was developed by Meridian Audio, Ltd., and is specified (and licensed) through Dolby Laboratories. The DVD-Forum adopted MLP as the mandatory lossless compression standard in the DVD-Audio specification in 1999.

Files begin with internal header data which can be identified by a signature: at offset 2, the byte 0xFF; at offset 4, the 32-bit value F8726FBB (ASCII ".ro").

How to open MLP files

We have identified one MLP opener that is compatible with this specific type of MLP file.

Programs that open Meridian Lossless Packing Audio files

Last updated: August 9, 2026

All known file formats using extension .MLP

While Meridian Lossless Packing Audio is a popular type of MLP-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .MLP file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

MeshLab Project

We know that one MLP format is MeshLab Project. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different MLP openers which you will find listed below.

Postal MultiAlpha

We know that one MLP format is Postal MultiAlpha. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of MLP files. Remember, different programs may use MLP files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about MLP file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.