REVIEW

each successive version. Pro 10 is no exception, adding support for instrument file formats (.DLS, Sony Pro 10 .SF2, and .GIG). Performance has not been ignored with a new ROB JAMES forges ahead with the latest enhancements and updates to Sony Creative Global Media Cache option, where the user can specify Software’s stalwart professional digital audio production suite. the amount of RAM Sound Forge Pro will reserve for media recently read from — or written to — disk. Although CD Architect 5.2 is still On the workflow front, docking windows help to included with Sound Forge 10, one big reduce the inherent clutter from multiple open files change is that full Red Book DAO (Disk- and processes. For saving and loading, workspace At-Once) CD mastering from a single management makes it much easier to switch between sound file is now integrated into the jobs since a workspace retains settings, remembers main Sound Forge application along which files were open and where they were, cursor with TAO (Track-At-Once). You can also positions, and so on, and also stores any views combine files from multiple you may have created data windows into a new data for the different data window to assemble a CD. windows. Multiple The user interface has window layouts can been spruced up with tabbed also be saved and browsing of maximised data recalled at will, and windows; floating window it is now possible to docks; customisable window set parameters for a layouts and workspaces, default crossfade. ound Forge has always been a little difficult to which can be recalled at will; plus the Scripts have long categorise. In some ways it’s easier to define addition of custom selection grid lines been a powerful in terms of what it isn’t. It’s not a sequencer in the loop editor. Those of us using element of Sound or a timeline-centric multitrack recorder/ Broadcast WAV (BWF) files regularly Forge and they editor/mixer.S However, any software application will be at least dimly aware that they have been further surviving to a major version 10 must have something offer metadata capabilities. A brand enhanced in pretty good going for it, and Sound Forge has grown new metadata window enables the Pro 10. At the more impressive with each user to view and edit simplest level, successive release. this data with ease. scripts can be It’s a couple of years For good measure, used for repetitive since I last examined a new Sony has integrated batch tasks, and version of Sound Forge and, Sound Forge’s own –– for those with most obviously, this time it Metadata, Track the skill and has had Pro added to its List, Regions List, Playlist, CD Info, knowledge –– can be developed to automate highly title. The suffix is new yet Sampler Loops, Acid Properties, and complex tasks, including running external programs; superfluous to everybody Summary Information under the accessing the internet — for example, to upload or except the marketing same menu entry, while a Show All download files via FTP; write and delete files; and department. Despite option gathers all the Metadata panes more besides. A number of sample scripts are included the current UK£308.95 into tabs in a single window. for common tasks. (downloadable)/£329.95 Although I don’t propose Sound Forge Pro remains a slightly enigmatic (packaged) price tag, Sound Forge has to list every feature in the program. Although it now has a raft of production always been a ‘Pro’ application from its extensive Sound Forge functions, I still find it most useful for the difficult earliest incarnations. repertoire, it is worth and often annoying mundane conversion tasks. Sound Forge majors on processing rehearsing some of the That said, I’m now much more tempted to use individual files. The Event Mode enables highlights. Multichannel it for CD mastering and production, and also for a file to be split into individual events, files can be recorded, edited, cleaning up and fixing sub-standard material. If it which can be processed and treated and manipulated but — was more tightly integrated with Sony the individually, but if you want multitrack although AC-3 encoding is combination would be formidable. Indeed, if I had timeline editing then you need Vegas or included — the parameters had it a couple of weeks ago, it would have saved Acid. Multichannel files are, of course, supported, but are fixed. If you need more control you have to buy me many hours of boring and repetitive one-thing- there are no panners or recognisable mixer. You can the Dolby Digital AC-3 Pro version. at-a-time-style manual conversion work. This is one also create multichannel files from mono or stereo and I love the JKL keyboard transport control; though of those programs that has something for everyone. rearrange channels in an existing multichannel file or common in video editing software, this is rare in an Exactly which bits you use is going to depend on perform a downmix. audio editor. It follows the usual convention in that what you are doing and your usual workflow. At the The purchase price includes not only Sound Forge a single press on of J and L keys plays forwards and asking price, Sound Forge Pro 10 is an obvious ‘must- 10, but also Noise Reduction 2 plug-ins while the backwards, respectively; K stops; multiple presses on J have’ in the audio and video professional’s toolkit. n estimable Mastering Effects Bundle 2 powered by or L increases the play speed to 2x, 4x, or 8x nominal iZotope is now accompanied by iZotope’s 64-bit on the medium setting, or up to 20x on high. Remains a ‘must-have’ weapon in the SRC (sample rate conversion) and MBIT+ Dither Sound Forge metering improved dramatically PROS audio armoury; good improvements to (bit-depth conversion). Also included is the Zplane in V9 with Phase Scope and mono compatibility workflow, including direct disk authoring élastique Pro time stretch and pitch shift DirectX meters added to the main meters window. In from within; a lot of tools for the money. plug-in, which offers an interesting alternative to the particular, I find the Polar Linear Plot and Polar Sony version. For speed shifts upwards the quality Circular Plot options in the Phase Scope to be an CONS Still more of an adjunct for many is excellent. Downshifts are more of a challenge, excellent way of visualising distribution. purposes; lack of real integration with and, on speech at least, I preferred the results I Noise reduction processes are middle of the road, as Sony Vegas Pro; writing scripts requires serious programming skills. obtained from the original Sony Time Shift module you might expect from the price point, but Sound Forge — provided that the increments were modest. also offers useful repair options, including interpolate Sony’s Acoustic Mirror convolution reverb is still for fixing sub-2ms glitches; Repair > Replace can deal Contact a part of the act, together with a good number of with problems up to half a second in length. , usa convolution samples with more downloadable from Sound Forge has always supported a plethora of Website: www.sonycreativesoftware.com Sony Creative Software’s website. formats, the number of file types increasing with UK, SCV London: +44 208 418 0778

32 resolution March 2010