Neyrinck SoundCode LtRt Tools — Free Download

Purpose and Core Functions

SoundCode LtRt Tools is a suite of plug-ins designed for post-production professionals who need to monitor or deliver LtRt encoded audio. It integrates directly into Pro Tools sessions as an insert, supporting AAX DSP, Native, and Audiosuite formats. The included Pro Logic IIx decoder, licensed from Dolby Laboratories, allows monitoring of LtRt material in formats up to 7.1, 5.1, and LCRS, simulating consumer playback environments.

Because these are plug-ins, they work with Pro Tools features like automation, control surface operation, and preset management. The tools enable both encoding and decoding within a single workflow, making them suitable for mixing, editing, and quality control tasks in film, TV, game audio, and broadcast.

Downmix Monitoring and Compatibility Checking

The plug-ins include a Down Mix control that can be enabled or disabled while working on a surround speaker system. When enabled, the surround mix is downmixed to stereo and output on the left and right channels, allowing you to hear exactly how the mix translates to a two-channel consumer system. This provides a quick way to check compatibility without changing speaker setups.

Alternatively, you can route the downmix to a dedicated, alternate stereo speaker system. This is useful for A/B comparisons between the full surround mix and its stereo downmix. The flexibility supports both critical listening and practical delivery needs, ensuring that the stereo version maintains the intended balance and levels.

LtRt Encoding for Broadcast Delivery

For delivery requirements that ask for both surround and stereo LtRt mixes, SoundCode LtRt Tools simplifies creating the stereo version. The matrix encoder can be set to PL2 or PL1 mode, making the output compatible with Dolby Pro Logic II and Pro Logic I decoders respectively. This allows you to generate a stereo mix that can be decoded back to surround by consumer equipment.

The plug-in can be inserted on the surround mix bus, and the encoding process happens in real time within the session. This eliminates the need for separate render steps, saving time in high-pressure broadcast environments. The same toolset also supports decoding LtRt material for monitoring, so the same plug-in can handle both encode and decode tasks.

Editing and Monitoring on Any System

SoundCode LtRt Tools addresses the common problem of editing surround audio on a system only equipped with stereo speakers. By inserting the plug-in on the surround mix bus, all audio channels are mixed down to stereo, letting an editor hear every element in the mix with just two speakers or headphones. This makes it possible to work on surround projects even in a stereo-only edit suite.

This function is particularly useful for dialogue editing, sound design, or any task where you need to hear the complete mix without full surround monitoring. The same plug-in can also be used for decoding LtRt material, so you can verify the encoded output matches the intended surround mix. This dual capability streamlines the workflow for both editing and final delivery.

Key features

• Pro Tools AAX plug-in supporting DSP, Native, and Audiosuite formats
• Pro Logic IIx decoder for 7.1, 5.1, and LCRS monitoring
• Matrix encoder with PL2 and PL1 modes for Dolby Pro Logic compatibility
• Integrated downmix control for stereo compatibility checking
• Can feed alternate stereo speaker systems for A/B comparisons
• Allows editing surround sessions with only stereo speakers or headphones

Best for

Post-production studios, TV and film mixers, game audio engineers, and broadcasters who need to encode, decode, or monitor LtRt audio in Pro Tools. Especially useful for stereo delivery, downmix compatibility checking, and editing surround projects in stereo-only environments.