LINSurround multi-channel dithering plugin interface by MAAT

LINSurround: Multi-Channel Dithering Plugin by MAAT Free Download

LINSurround is a multi-channel dithering plugin from MAAT for reducing word length in final audio delivery. It offers seven noise shaping spectra and selectable 8, 16 or 24-bit output.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

LINSurround is designed to sit at the end of a signal chain, just before conversion to a fixed-point format. MAAT positions it as a tool for delivery work, from 16-bit Red Book masters to 24-bit high-resolution files and multichannel 48k stems for video and film surround. The plugin combines rounding or truncation with a choice of dither types and noise shaping curves, so producers can adjust how the final word length reduction sounds. Its visual noise shape plots show the results generated by the plugin's own dither engine.

Best for

Red Book CD masters
High-resolution streaming delivery
Multichannel film stems
Video surround mixdowns
Dither experimentation

Developer: MAAT
Category: Surround Tools
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Seven noise shaping spectra from first to ninth order
Triangular, high passed triangular and rectangular dither types
Selectable 8, 16 or 24-bit word lengths
Choice of rounding or truncation for word length reduction
Integrated real-world noise shape plots
Auto-blanking to prevent background contamination
Four factory presets for quick starting points
Supports up to 128 channels

03In depth

Dither Types and Noise Shaping Options

LINSurround offers triangular (TPDF), high passed triangular and rectangular dither, along with a noise shaping bypass. Seven noise shapes are available, including first, second, third, fifth, eighth and ninth order options. MAAT describes the fifth, eighth and ninth order choices as newly developed psychoacoustic curves.

Word length can be set to 8, 16 or 24 bits, and you can choose between rounding and truncation. An 8-bit output option is included so you can hear how a reduced word length affects your material. Four factory presets are provided as starting points for customization.

Visual Noise Shape Plots and Surround Support

The plugin includes integrated plots of each noise shape, which show the spectrum of the dither engine's output. Auto-blanking is included to prevent background contamination during silent passages.

LINSurround supports up to 128 channels, which makes it relevant for multichannel stems and surround deliverables. It must be placed as the very last plugin in the chain, because other processing after dithering would undo its purpose.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	MAAT
Type	Plugin
Category	Surround Tools
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does LINSurround support?

LINSurround is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run LINSurround?

On macOS it requires version 10.9 or newer and is 64-bit only. On Windows it requires Windows 7 or newer and supports 32 and 64-bit. AAX Native needs Pro Tools 10.3.10 or newer. Sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz are supported.