14 DAY TRIAL // Some years ago, Sound Forge was one of the leading applications when it came to recording, editing and processing sound files. Now, other software has emerged on the market so the battle became truly fierce and each manufacturer has to struggle and deliver the best quality, most comprehensive tools and multitude of side-applications in order to keep its place in the top of the users' preferences.
The biggest change in Sony's latest Sound Forge is the multichannel files support: now users will be able to learn more about the new audio standards which involve 6 and even more channels. Other new things come as well, such as drag-and-drop editing capabilities between channels and very interesting crossfading between different effects. The multichannel operation is backed by other multichannel tools such as phase-scope and spectrum analysis.
While being Windows Vista-capable, the Sound Forge 9 production suite allows users to even export their work in the Dolby Digital AC-3 format. Since the new software is a professional-grade software, the suite contains a whole heap of additional software tools like the Mastering Effects Bundle from iZotope, and many more, tools that will transform your PC over night in a true multimedia workstation.
One cool addition is the CD Architect 5, which will give users the ability to professionally edit and master the final version of a CD, whether we're speaking about fades, pauses or various markers. Next in line is the iZotope bundle I've told you about, containing most powerful tools such as the Mastering Reverb, The Multiband Compressor, Loudness Maximizer and the Analog Parametric EQ. Improved Noise Reduction algorithms also ensure you'll be able to "clean" up old recordings, cassettes, LPs, old CDs or lousy MP3 files so they sound closer to a decent level.
Sound Forge 9 can handle 24-/32-bit 192kHz so your audio will sound simply amazing, quality-wise and more than 40 studio-grade effects will help you color your music the way you like. And even more, the Forge will also let you edit video files: it now supports multiple video formats including AVI, WMV, and MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. Users can import Flash (SWF) to visually synchronize audio to. Sound Forge 9 software includes MPEG-2 templates for writing HDV-compliant files at both 720p and 1080i resolutions, so you're also ready for the "bigger video".
Prices start at $299.96 and end at $399.95 in both usual stores and at online retailers. More on the new Sound Forge issue you can get on the product's own page.
