SON File

What are SON files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a SON 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 SON files.

What is a SON file?

SON files have multiple uses, and Beam Software SIFF Sound is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Beam Software SIFF Sound

Beam Software SIFF Sound (.SON) files store digital audio used in certain video games developed by Beam Software. These files contain background music, sound effects, or dialogue within games. Only the audio portion of the SIFF format uses the .SON extension; SIFF files may also come in other types for images (.PIM) and video (.VB or .VBC).

These .SON files are written by Beam Software's SIFF multimedia system, typically during game development. At runtime, the game reads them to play back sounds. To access or preserve the audio outside the game, archivists or modders use dedicated tools or media programs that support the SIFF format. Beam Software games of the 1990s, including KKND2: Krossfire and The Lost Vikings II, use .SON files.

Internally, .SON files begin with a four-byte ASCII header "SIFF", followed by a chunk-based format. The audio section is marked by a 'SHDR' chunk whose fields include audio duration, sample rate, and sometimes motion components. The file also contains a 'BODY' chunk carrying the actual audio payload.

How to open SON files

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

Programs that open Beam Software SIFF Sound files

Last updated: August 13, 2026

All known file formats using extension .SON

While Beam Software SIFF Sound is a popular type of SON-file, we know of 5 different uses of the .SON file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

SBStudio II Song

We know that one SON format is SBStudio II Song. 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 six different SON openers which you will find listed below.

Score Perfect Professional Song

We know that one SON format is Score Perfect Professional Song. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Sonnet Project

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

Spruce DVDMaestro Subtitles

We know that one SON format is Spruce DVDMaestro Subtitles. 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 SON files. Remember, different programs may use SON 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 SON file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.