Retro LTC Lite - User Guide

Free Linear Timecode Generator for macOS

Overview

Retro LTC Lite is the free, simplified version of Retro LTC Pro. It provides essential LTC generation capabilities with a beautiful retro CRT TV aesthetic interface, perfect for users who need professional timecode generation without advanced features.

Quick Start - Basic LTC Generation

  1. Launch Retro LTC Lite
  2. Set audio format - Use the dropdown to select sample rate (48 kHz or 44.1 kHz) and bit depth (24-bit, 16-bit, or 8-bit)
  3. Select frame rate - Use the FPS knob to choose your frame rate (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, or 30 fps)
  4. Adjust start timecode - Use the arrow controls to set hours, minutes, seconds, and frames
  5. Set duration - Use the duration text fields to set minutes and seconds
  6. Optional: Enable filter - Toggle the 14kHz low-pass filter if needed for equipment compatibility
  7. Click "Generate" - Export your WAV file

Features

LTC Generation

  • High-quality LTC audio generation using libLTC
  • Support for multiple frame rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 fps
  • Multiple audio formats: 48k/44.1k sample rates with 8/16/24-bit depth
  • Precise timecode control with frame-accurate adjustment
  • Optional 14kHz low-pass filter for equipment compatibility

Audio Export

  • WAV file export with comprehensive filename generation
  • Automatic file size estimation with warnings for large files
  • Filenames include format information and filter status
  • Support for custom start times and durations

User Interface

  • Retro CRT TV aesthetic with scanline effects
  • VT323 monospace font throughout
  • Green and orange glow effects on text
  • Clickable timecode controls with arrow buttons
  • Interactive dropdowns for all audio and frame rate settings

Frame Rates

Choose the frame rate that matches your project:

  • 23.976 fps - Film transferred to video
  • 24 fps - Film production standard
  • 25 fps - PAL/European video standard
  • 29.97 fps - NTSC/US broadcast standard
  • 30 fps - High-end digital video production

Quick Guide:

  • Film projects → 24 fps
  • US broadcast/TV → 29.97 fps
  • European broadcast → 25 fps

Audio Formats Supported

  • Sample Rates: 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz
  • Bit Depths: 24-bit, 16-bit, 8-bit
  • Frame Rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 fps

File Naming Convention

Generated files follow this pattern:

LTC_[SAMPLERATE][BITDEPTH]_[FRAMERATE]_Start[HHMMSS]_Dur[HHMMSS][-14k].wav

Filename Components:

  • [SAMPLERATE][BITDEPTH] - e.g., 48k24, 44.1k16, 48k8
  • [FRAMERATE] - e.g., 30fps, 24, 25
  • Start[HHMMSS] - Start timecode in hours, minutes, seconds
  • Dur[HHMMSS] - Duration in hours, minutes, seconds
  • [-14k] - Optional suffix when 14kHz filter is enabled

Examples:

  • LTC_48k24_30fps_Start010000_Dur000100.wav - Basic 1-minute file
  • LTC_48k24_30fps_Start010000_Dur000100-14k.wav - With 14kHz filter enabled
  • LTC_44.1k16_24_Start020000_Dur000500.wav - 44.1kHz/16-bit, 5-minute file

14kHz Low-Pass Filter

The 14kHz low-pass filter is an optional feature that can help ensure compatibility with older equipment that may have issues with higher frequencies in LTC signals.

When to use:

  • Working with legacy timecode readers or equipment
  • Experiencing sync issues with older hardware
  • Following specific facility requirements for equipment compatibility

Tips & Best Practices

  • Large files: The app will show warnings for large files - consider shorter durations if needed
  • Storage: Check available disk space before generating very long files
  • File size: File size is automatically estimated and displayed before generation
  • Format selection: 48 kHz / 24-bit is recommended for professional use

Technical Details

  • Format: WAV (mono) with configurable sample rate and bit depth
  • Standard: SMPTE-compliant LTC generation
  • Platform: macOS 13.5+
  • Library: Built with libLTC for professional-grade timecode generation

Troubleshooting

Generation fails?

  • Check available storage space on your Mac
  • Try a shorter duration
  • Ensure you have write permissions in the save location

File won't save?

  • Wait for generation to complete (100%)
  • Check that you have write permissions in the selected location
  • Try saving to a different location (Desktop, Documents, etc.)

Large file warning?

  • This is normal for long durations - the app estimates file size before generation
  • Consider shorter durations if file size is a concern
  • Use lower bit depths (16-bit or 8-bit) to reduce file size

Upgrading to Retro LTC Pro

Retro LTC Lite is the free version with essential features. For more advanced capabilities, consider upgrading to Retro LTC Pro which includes:

  • Batch generation (create multiple files at once)
  • Live LTC output (real-time timecode generation)
  • Custom Live LTC with transport controls
  • 2-pop sync tones
  • 50-second reference tones
  • Enhanced sharing options

All apps are standalone with no in-app purchases.

Related Apps

  • Retro LTC Pro (macOS) - Full-featured version with batch generation and additional professional tools
  • Retro LTC Mobile (iOS) - Mobile version for iPhone and iPad

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