Minnetonka Audio - SurCode for Dolby-Pro Logic II v2.5.1 (VST.RTAS) [Win] - Samplestorrent.com[^2^]
Minnetonka Audio SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13: A Review
If If you are an audio professional who works with surround sound, you may have heard of SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II, a software matrix encoder and decoder that allows you to encode and decode 5.1 channel audio from stereo sources. SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II is a certified and licensed product from Minnetonka Audio, a leading provider of audio software solutions. In this article, we will review SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13, the latest version of the software that supports two popular plugin formats: VST and RTAS. We will explain what SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II does, how to use it, and what are its benefits and limitations. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the product. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 and whether it is suitable for your audio projects.
Minnetonka Audio SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13
What is Dolby Pro Logic II?
Dolby Pro Logic II is a surround sound processing technology that was developed by Dolby Laboratories in the late 1990s. It is an improved version of the original Dolby Pro Logic, which was introduced in the mid-1980s. Dolby Pro Logic II can encode and decode 5.1 channel audio from stereo sources, such as CDs, DVDs, TV broadcasts, video games, etc. It uses a matrix encoding and decoding system that preserves the spatial information of the original sound source and creates a realistic surround sound field with discrete left, center, right, left surround, and right surround channels, plus a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel.
Dolby Pro Logic II has several advantages over the original Dolby Pro Logic. First, it can produce full-bandwidth surround channels, whereas Dolby Pro Logic had limited frequency response for the surround channels. Second, it can adjust the level and delay of the surround channels to create a more natural and immersive sound field. Third, it can provide different modes of operation for different types of content, such as music, movie, game, etc., to optimize the surround sound experience.
Dolby Pro Logic II is widely used in various audio formats and applications, such as DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, Blu-ray Disc, DTS-CD, SACD, MP3 Surround, AAC Surround, Windows Media Audio Professional (WMA Pro), Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Headphone, etc. It is also compatible with non-decoded stereo playback devices, such as regular stereo speakers or headphones.
What is SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II?
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II is a software matrix encoder and decoder that allows audio professionals to encode and decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio in various formats and applications. It is a certified and licensed product from Minnetonka Audio that meets the quality standards of Dolby Laboratories.
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II can encode any stereo or mono audio source into a Dolby Pro Logic II compatible bitstream that can be stored or transmitted in various formats, such as WAV, AIFF, MP3 Surround, AAC Surround, WMA Pro, etc. It can also decode any Dolby Pro Logic II encoded bitstream into discrete 5.1 channel audio that can be played back or processed in various applications, such as digital audio workstations (DAWs), audio editing software, media players, etc.
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II supports two popular plugin formats: VST and RTAS. VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and is a plugin format developed by Steinberg that is compatible with many DAWs and audio software, such as Cubase, Nuendo, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Audacity, etc. RTAS stands for Real-Time AudioSuite and is a plugin format developed by Avid that is compatible with their DAWs and audio software, such as Pro Tools. SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 is the latest version of the software that supports both VST and RTAS formats on Windows and Mac platforms.
What are VST and RTAS?
VST and RTAS are two common plugin formats that are compatible with many DAWs and audio software. A plugin is a software component that A plugin is a software component that can be added to a host application to extend its functionality or provide new features. Plugins are widely used in audio production and editing, as they can provide various effects, instruments, processors, generators, analyzers, etc. that can enhance the sound quality and creativity of the audio projects. VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and is a plugin format developed by Steinberg, a German company that produces music software and hardware. VST was introduced in 1996 and has become one of the most popular and widely supported plugin formats in the audio industry. VST plugins can be divided into two types: VST effects and VST instruments. VST effects are plugins that process audio signals, such as reverb, delay, compression, EQ, etc. VST instruments are plugins that generate audio signals, such as synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, etc. RTAS stands for Real-Time AudioSuite and is a plugin format developed by Avid, an American company that produces media software and hardware. RTAS was introduced in 1999 and is mainly used with Avid's DAWs and audio software, such as Pro Tools. RTAS plugins are similar to VST effects, as they process audio signals in real time. However, RTAS plugins have some limitations compared to VST plugins, such as not being able to process MIDI data or use multiple inputs or outputs. SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 is a plugin that supports both VST and RTAS formats, which means it can be used with many DAWs and audio software that support these formats. SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 can be inserted as an effect plugin on any stereo or mono audio track or bus, and it can encode or decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio according to the user's settings and preferences.
How to use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13?
In this section, we will explain how to install, configure, and operate SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 on your computer. We will also provide some examples of how to use the plugin to encode and decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio in various scenarios.
Installation and configuration
To use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13, you need to meet the following system requirements:
A Windows or Mac computer with a compatible DAW or audio software that supports VST or RTAS plugins.
An iLok USB key for copy protection. You need to register and activate your SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II license on the iLok website and insert the iLok USB key into your computer before using the plugin.
A 5.1 channel speaker system or headphones for monitoring the surround sound output.
To install SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13, you need to follow these steps:
Download the installer file from the Minnetonka Audio website or the link provided by your reseller.
Run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen.
Select the plugin formats (VST and/or RTAS) and the installation folder for the plugin files.
Finish the installation and restart your computer if prompted.
To configure SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13, you need to follow these steps:
Launch your DAW or audio software and create a new project or open an existing one.
Add a stereo or mono audio track or bus to your project and insert SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II as an effect plugin on it.
Open the plugin interface by clicking on the plugin name or icon.
Select the mode of operation (encode only, decode only, encode/decode, or bypass) from the drop-down menu at the top of the plugin interface.
Adjust the encoding and decoding parameters according to your needs and preferences. You can use the default settings or customize them using the sliders and buttons on the plugin interface.
Save your project and close your DAW or audio software.
Encoding and decoding modes
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 can operate in four different modes: encode only, decode only, encode/decode, or bypass. You can select the mode of operation from the drop-down menu at the top of the plugin interface. Each mode has a different function and purpose, as explained below:
Encode only: This mode allows you to encode any stereo or mono audio source into a Dolby Pro Logic II compatible bitstream. The encoded bitstream can be stored or transmitted in various formats, such as WAV, AIFF, MP3 Surround, AAC Surround, WMA Pro, etc. The encoded bitstream can also be decoded by any Dolby Pro Logic II decoder, such as SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Headphone, etc. This mode is useful for creating surround mixes from stereo sources or converting surround mixes to stereo files.
Decode only: This mode allows you to decode any Dolby Pro Logic II encoded bitstream into discrete 5.1 channel audio. The decoded audio can be played back or processed in various applications, such as DAWs, audio editing software, media players, etc. The decoded audio can also be re-encoded by any Dolby Pro Logic II encoder, such as SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital Live, etc. This mode is useful for monitoring surround mixes on stereo speakers or headphones or editing surround mixes in stereo files.
Encode/decode: This mode allows you to encode and decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio simultaneously. The input audio is encoded into a Dolby Pro Logic II bitstream and then decoded into discrete 5.1 channel audio. The output audio is identical to the input audio, except for some minor processing artifacts introduced by the encoding and decoding process. This mode is useful for testing the encoding and decoding performance and quality of SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II.
Bypass: This mode allows you to bypass the encoding and decoding process and pass the input audio directly to the output. The output audio is identical to the input audio, without any processing or modification. This mode is useful for comparing the original audio with the encoded and decoded audio or disabling SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II temporarily.
Encoding and decoding parameters
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 allows you to adjust various parameters for encoding and decoding Dolby Pro Logic II audio. You can use the default settings or customize them using the sliders and buttons on the plugin interface. The parameters are divided into two groups: input/output channels and input/output levels.
The input/output channels group allows you to select the number and configuration of the input and output channels for the plugin. You can choose from the following options:
Stereo: This option selects two input channels (left and right) and two output channels (left and right). This option is suitable for encoding or decoding stereo audio sources.
Mono: This option selects one input channel (mono) and one output channel (mono). This option is suitable for encoding or decoding mono audio sources.
5.1: This option selects six input channels (left, center, right, left surround, right surround, and LFE) and six output channels (left, center, right, left surround, right surround, and LFE). This option is suitable for decoding Dolby Pro Logic II encoded bitstreams into discrete 5.1 channel audio.
The input/output levels group allows you to adjust the level of the input and output signals for the plugin. You can use the sliders to increase or decrease the level of each channel individually or use the buttons to mute or solo each channel. The level meters show the peak and average level of each channel in decibels (dB). You can also use the master slider to adjust the overall level of the input or output signal.
In addition to the input/output channels and levels group, there are some other parameters that can be adjusted for encoding and decoding Dolby Pro Logic II audio. These parameters are located at the bottom of the plugin interface and include:
Downmix mode: This parameter allows you to select the mode of operation for downmixing 5.1 channel audio to stereo audio. You can choose from the following options:
Normal: This option applies a standard downmix algorithm that preserves the balance and timbre of the original 5.1 channel audio.
Lo/Ro: This option applies a downmix algorithm that optimizes the stereo audio for playback on regular stereo speakers or headphones.
Lt/Rt: This option applies a downmix algorithm that optimizes the stereo audio for playback on Dolby Pro Logic II decoders.
Center width: This parameter allows you to adjust the width of the center channel in the stereo downmix. You can use the slider to increase or decrease the width from 0% (full center) to 100% (full left/right).
Surround delay: This parameter allows you to adjust the delay of the surround channels in the stereo downmix. You can use the slider to increase or decrease the delay from 0 ms (no delay) to 15 ms (maximum delay).
Encoding and decoding examples
To illustrate how to use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 to encode and decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio in various scenarios, we will provide some examples using different DAWs and audio software. These examples are not exhaustive, but they should give you an idea of how to apply the plugin to your own audio projects.
Example 1: Creating a surround mix from a stereo source using Cubase
In this example, we will use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 to create a surround mix from a stereo source using Cubase, a popular DAW from Steinberg that supports VST plugins. We will use a stereo music file as the source and encode it into a Dolby Pro Logic II bitstream that can be decoded into a 5.1 channel audio file. Here are the steps:
Launch Cubase and create a new project or open an existing one.
Import the stereo music file into the project and place it on a stereo audio track.
Add a new stereo audio track to the project and name it "SurCode".
Insert SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II as an effect plugin on the "SurCode" track.
Open the plugin interface and select "Encode only" as the mode of operation.
Adjust the encoding parameters according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can choose "Lt/Rt" as the downmix mode, 50% as the center width, and 10 ms as the surround delay.
Route the output of the stereo music track to the input of the "SurCode" track.
Record or export the output of the "SurCode" track as a stereo audio file. This file contains the Dolby Pro Logic II encoded bitstream that can be decoded into a 5.1 channel audio file.
Example 2: Converting a surround mix to a stereo file using Pro Tools
In this example, we will use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 to convert a surround mix to a stereo file using Pro Tools, a popular DAW from Avid that supports RTAS plugins. We will use a 5.1 channel audio file as the source and decode it into a Dolby Pro Logic II compatible bitstream that can be stored or transmitted in a stereo format. Here are the steps:
Launch Pro Tools and create a new session or open an existing one.
Import the 5.1 channel audio file into the session and place it on six mono audio tracks: L, C, R, Ls, Rs, and LFE.
Add a new stereo audio track to the session and name it "SurCode".
Insert SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II as an effect plugin on the "SurCode" track.
Open the plugin interface and select "Decode only" as the mode of operation.
Select "5.1" as the input/output channels option.
Adjust the decoding parameters according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can choose "Lo/Ro" as the downmix mode, -3 dB as the input/output levels, and -6 dB as the LFE level.
Route the outputs of the six mono tracks to the inputs of the "SurCode" track.
Record or export the output of the "SurCode" track as a stereo audio file. This file contains the Dolby Pro Logic II compatible bitstream that can be played back on any stereo device or decoded by any Dolby Pro Logic II decoder.
Monitoring a surround mix on stereo speakers or headphones using Audacity
In this example, we will use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 to monitor a surround mix on stereo speakers or headphones using Audacity, a free and open-source audio editing software that supports VST plugins. We will use a 5.1 channel audio file as the source and decode it into a Dolby Pro Logic II compatible bitstream that can be played back on any stereo device. Here are the steps:
Launch Audacity and create a new project or open an existing one.
Import the 5.1 channel audio file into the project and place it on six mono tracks: L, C, R, Ls, Rs, and LFE.
Add a new stereo track to the project and name it "SurCode".
Insert SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II as an effect plugin on the "SurCode" track.
Open the plugin interface and select "Decode only" as the mode of operation.
Select "5.1" as the input/output channels option.
Adjust the decoding parameters according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can choose "Lt/Rt" as the downmix mode, 0 dB as the input/output levels, and -10 dB as the LFE level.
Route the outputs of the six mono tracks to the inputs of the "SurCode" track.
Play back the output of the "SurCode" track on your stereo speakers or headphones. You should hear a realistic surround sound field with discrete left, center, right, left surround, and right surround channels, plus a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel.
What are the benefits and limitations of SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13?
In this section, we will evaluate SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 and list some of its benefits and limitations. We will also compare it with some other products that offer similar functionality.
Benefits
SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 has several benefits that make it a useful and versatile tool for audio professionals who work with surround sound. Some of these benefits are:
Easy integration with DAWs and audio software: SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 supports two popular plugin formats: VST and RTAS. This means it can be easily integrated with many DAWs and audio software that support these formats, such as Cubase, Nuendo, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Audacity, Pro Tools, etc. You can insert SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II as an effect plugin on any stereo or mono audio track or bus and encode or decode Dolby Pro Logic II audio within your DAW or audio software.
High-quality encoding and decoding performance: SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II VST RTAS v2.5.1 13 is a certified and licensed product from Minnetonka Audio that mee