Sound Forge 9 DAW Issue 55

REVIEW SOUND FORGE 9 The latest instalment of Sound Forge has some new features but remains primarily an audio editor. Text: Mark Woods Research & test assistance: David Franks fairly simple tasks I’ve always found Sound Forge’s layout to be cleaner and more efficient than comparable products – if you’re doing things quickly it doesn’t slow you down with unwanted options or visual distractions. However, the competition is now starting to implement multitrack recording (Adobe Audition 2.0 is one notable example) and with support for ASIO 2.0 drivers I wouldn’t be surprised if multi-tracking and real-time mixing were soon added to Sound Forge. This would be great for those who don’t want or need the complexity (or expense) of ProTools or Nuendo, but would it remain inexpensive if it headed down this long and winding road? Probably not. And would it compete with the big boys of multitracking even if it did? Who knows. The headline feature that’s new for Sound Forge 9 is support for multichannel (not multitrack) audio recording, editing and processing – provided you have a multichannel soundcard. Mainly for use when working with surround sound video, version 9 can also be used for multi- microphone/input situations. Screenshot featuring I can see the future… one software program to handle the iZotope multiband compressor plug-in, the all the common tasks involved in audio and video NINE LIVES audio editor, the video production: audio multitrack recording, mixing, editing, Sound Forge already had a comprehensive set of plug-ins, preview window and the audio sonogram. processing and mastering, combined with multichannel plus support for Direct X and VST, but Sound Forge sound and support for video authoring; along with a 9 now includes the mastering processors from iZotope, range of the latest and grooviest plug-ins with each release well known for its mastering program Ozone. You get a version, and a reasonably low retail price. Sound Forge multiband compressor with a display you can just keep will probably be one of those programs, but for now Sony staring at… a mastering EQ, a very nice sounding reverb would prefer you to buy more than one of its software and a loudness maximiser. All are of great quality and products to handle this list. Perhaps this is understandable pleasing to use, from subtle changes, to chalk and cheese from Sony’s perspective but it makes Sound Forge stuff – you always feel in total control of the sound. (By the vulnerable to developments in competitive programs. way, iZotope’s website is currently offering free downloads Designed as a post production tool for digital audio of their Vinyl plug-in for retro effects – worth a look.) editing, processing and mastering, Sound Forge has been Also newly included is Noise Reduction 2.0, which offers around since 1991. Developed by Sonic Foundry and noise reduction, click and crackle removal, and clipped acquired by Sony in 2003, many computer audio people peak restoration. It works well, but like most noise were introduced to it through warez discs popular in the reduction plug-ins, some of the sound always disappears late ’90s… or so I’ve been told. It installed on anything, along with the noise, so care must always be taken to use most plug-ins worked, it didn’t crash and was easy to use. it wisely. Sound Forge 9 offers several improvements over version 8 SONIC BOOMTIME and still does a great job as an audio editor. But it also feels Sound Forge 9 also now includes CD Architect 5.2 for like the all-in-one tool it wants to be is still trapped inside, laying out your own Red Book-compliant CDs with trying to get out. fades/crossfades, pause times, index markers and CD Sound Forge won’t do multitrack recording or real-time text. Integrated CD burning enables tracks to be burnt mixing – never has. That’s always been okay by me; I’m directly to CD from within Sound Forge or you can open old enough to remember tape recorders, I like recording the tracks directly into CD Architect rather than having in a multitrack format, mixing at the highest quality/ to save them, open CD Architect and re-open the files for resolution, then opening the mix in an audio editor for fade burning. in/out, processing and mastering as required. For these There’s multi-channel spectrum analysis, which allows for AT 108 The level and phase meters are cool, and the overall layout of the software is simple to use, colourful and inviting. NEED TO KNOW Price $499; Upgrade from SF8: $169. Contact Intelliware (02) 9981 8088 [email protected] www.intelliware.com.au a separate display for up to 7.1 tracks in real time; it’s an One function in Sound Forge I’ve never liked is the way Pros impressive display that enables a visual check of each track’s it leaves .sfk files alongside any saved files. Sound Forge Multi-channel file support. Excellent mastering FX included. frequency content anywhere in the mix. Phase scope and creates them when a file is opened for the first time and Customisable user interface. mono compatibility metering helps find phase cancellation they store the graphic display of the waveform so re- Easy to learn and use. among channels. ‘Hardware’ meters, which are also new opening a file is almost instantaneous. If this file is not in Cons to version 9, allow users to adjust output levels of the audio the same directory as the audio file or is deleted, it will be No multitrack capability. Upgrading from Version 8 may devices’ hardware. The wet/dry mix for effects can now be recalculated the next time you open the file. not be compelling to some. adjusted by changing the envelopes in the data window and FORGE-ING AHEAD? System Specs parameters can be changed in real time. Windows Vista, XP or 2000 SP4. If you’re looking to purchase an audio editing program 800MHz processor. MIDI implementation is limited to MIDI time code then Sound Forge 9 improves an already impressive and 256MB RAM (MTC). A soft keyboard is supplied and VST instruments highly regarded program. If you don’t need multi-tracking 150MB hard drive space Windows-compatible soundcard. can be triggered but the manual doesn’t explain how MIDI (or do it elsewhere), then it makes for an excellent editing, recording is processed – this is probably better done in Summary processing and mastering suite for digital audio. At $499 Sound Forge is a one-stop ACID or Nuendo or the like. You can, however, use it to it’s also considerably cheaper than its direct competitors, shop for digital audio editing, add MIDI or SMPTE code for ‘striping’ a video. Wavelab 6 and Adobe Audition 2.0. You can upgrade from processing and mastering. It provides multi-channel editing Another curiosity is the link from the help menu, which version 8 for $169 but if you already use Sound Forge 8, and processing, comprehensive leads directly to Sony’s Internet Mastering Services (SIM), have iZotope Ozone and don’t work with video then the audio analysis, integrated CD an online mastering service. Songs are mastered and better-looking analyser and integrated CD burning might burning with track-at-once or CD Architect options and supports returned within a couple of days for US$99 per song. To be the only improvements you’ll notice. a multitude of audio/video file that end, Sound Forge 9 includes a coupon for one free Sony’s claims for its video capabilities are perhaps formats. It’s not a multitrack mastered song with the purchase of one or more songs. recorder – yet – but in many somewhat overblown, but that aside Sound Forge 9 is a respects this can be seen as a An interesting idea, but at the time of writing I was very capable one-stop shop for post-production work on a plus, making it simple to use and unable to try the service as the link from the help menu is multitude of file formats. cost effective. re-directed to Sony’s home page and there is no mention of the service there. AT 109.

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