Chasing external LTC
Chase mode turns LTCast into a timecode follower. Instead of generating its own timecode from a local audio file, LTCast reads an external LTC signal and re-broadcasts it on all configured output protocols β LTC audio, MTC, Art-Net, and OSC β simultaneously. This is useful when another device is the master clock and LTCast is the protocol hub that fans the timecode out to the rest of the rig.
Enabling chase mode
Open Settings β Timecode In β Chase tab. Toggle Enable Chase Mode on. Two additional fields appear:
- LTC Input Device β select the audio input that carries the external LTC signal. This can be a physical audio interface input, a virtual audio device (e.g., VB-CABLE Output, BlackHole), or a system microphone input. On Windows and macOS, selecting an audio input device requires microphone permission; LTCast will prompt for it if not already granted.
- Channel β select which channel of the stereo input carries the LTC signal (Left, Right), or use Auto to let LTCast detect it automatically by signal analysis.
What happens while chasing
When LTCast receives valid LTC frames, it enters Chasing status. All configured outputs β LTC re-encode, MTC quarter-frame, Art-Net OpTimeCode, OSC β are driven by the incoming timecode position. The setlist auto-scrolls to the song matching the current timecode range. The Transport play/pause buttons are disabled while chasing; the external source controls start and stop.
Status indicators
The status bar shows the current chase state:
- Idle β Chase mode is enabled but no LTC signal has been detected yet
- Chasing β valid LTC is being received and all outputs are locked to it
- Freewheeling β LTC signal dropped; LTCast is coasting on its internal clock (requires Freewheel to be enabled)
- Lost β LTC dropped and freewheel is not enabled; outputs have stopped
A CHASE LOCKED badge appears in the timecode display when LTCast is locked to the external source.
Audio output while chasing
By default, LTCast does not output music audio while chasing β only the re-encoded LTC and protocol outputs are active. Enable Output audio while chasing in Settings β Timecode In β Chase if you want LTCast to also play back the local audio file synchronized to the incoming timecode. This is useful when the LTC source does not carry music audio and LTCast is providing both sync and playback.