Sound Forge vs GoldWave

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Our analysts compared Sound Forge vs GoldWave based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Audio Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Sound Forge Software Tool
GoldWave Software Tool

Product Basics

Sound Forge, developed by MAGIX Software GmbH, is a comprehensive audio editing software designed for detailed sound manipulation and production. It excels in tasks such as recording, editing, mastering, and restoration of audio files. This software is particularly suited for audio professionals, including sound engineers, music producers, and podcasters, due to its robust feature set and precision tools.

One of the standout benefits of Sound Forge is its high-resolution audio support, allowing for meticulous editing and mastering. The software offers powerful features like spectral cleaning, batch processing, and a wide array of effects and plug-ins. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the ability to handle complex audio projects efficiently.

Compared to similar products, Sound Forge is often praised for its reliability and depth of features. Pricing details can vary, and it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs.

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GoldWave is a comprehensive audio editing software designed for tasks such as recording, editing, restoring, and converting audio files. It is particularly well-suited for audio professionals, musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. Industries like music production, broadcasting, and multimedia development find GoldWave especially beneficial for its precision and versatility.

One of the standout benefits of GoldWave is its extensive range of powerful features, including noise reduction, audio restoration, and multi-track editing. Users appreciate its ability to handle large files and perform complex audio processing tasks efficiently. The software also supports a wide array of audio formats, making it a versatile tool for various audio projects.

Compared to similar products, GoldWave is often praised for its affordability and ease of use. While specific pricing details are not always readily available, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a personalized pricing quote based on their individual needs.

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$199 One-Time
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$47 One-Time
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Precision Editing: Sound Forge allows for meticulous audio editing, enabling users to make precise adjustments down to the millisecond.
  • High-Quality Output: The software supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring that the final product maintains superior sound quality.
  • Time Efficiency: With batch processing capabilities, Sound Forge can handle multiple files simultaneously, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
  • Noise Reduction: Advanced noise reduction tools help to clean up recordings by removing unwanted background noise, enhancing overall audio clarity.
  • Restoration Capabilities: Sound Forge offers powerful restoration features that can revive old or damaged audio recordings, making them sound new again.
  • Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor the interface and toolsets to fit their specific needs, improving workflow efficiency and user experience.
  • Comprehensive Effects Suite: The software includes a wide range of audio effects and plugins, allowing for creative sound design and enhancement.
  • Seamless Integration: Sound Forge integrates smoothly with other audio and video editing software, facilitating a cohesive production process.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time audio monitoring ensures that users can hear changes as they make them, providing immediate feedback and control.
  • Multi-Channel Support: The ability to edit multi-channel audio files makes Sound Forge ideal for complex projects like film scoring and game audio.
  • Scriptable Automation: Users can create scripts to automate repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and consistency in audio editing projects.
  • Robust File Compatibility: Sound Forge supports a wide array of audio file formats, ensuring compatibility with various industry standards.
  • Professional Mastering Tools: The software includes mastering tools that help prepare audio for final distribution, ensuring it meets industry standards.
  • Detailed Audio Analysis: Comprehensive analysis tools provide in-depth insights into audio properties, aiding in precise editing and troubleshooting.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Sound Forge is available on both Windows and Mac, offering flexibility for users across different operating systems.
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  • Enhanced Productivity: GoldWave's batch processing feature allows users to apply the same edits to multiple files simultaneously, saving significant time and effort.
  • Precision Editing: The software offers detailed waveform and spectral views, enabling users to make precise adjustments to their audio files.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: With a one-time purchase option, GoldWave provides a budget-friendly alternative to subscription-based audio editing software.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: GoldWave includes a wide range of built-in effects and filters, reducing the need for additional plugins or external software.
  • High-Quality Output: The software supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring that edited files maintain their original quality.
  • User-Friendly Interface: GoldWave's intuitive design makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced audio editors, minimizing the learning curve.
  • Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor the interface and toolbars to suit their specific needs, enhancing overall efficiency and comfort.
  • Reliable Performance: GoldWave is known for its stability and reliability, reducing the risk of crashes and data loss during critical editing tasks.
  • Extensive File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring seamless integration with various projects and devices.
  • Advanced Noise Reduction: GoldWave's noise reduction tools help users clean up recordings by removing unwanted background noise, improving audio clarity.
  • Efficient Audio Restoration: The software includes features for repairing and restoring old or damaged audio files, preserving valuable recordings.
  • Convenient Accessibility: GoldWave offers a portable version, allowing users to carry the software on a USB drive and use it on different computers without installation.
  • Comprehensive Support: Users have access to detailed documentation, tutorials, and a responsive support team, ensuring they can resolve issues quickly.
  • Regular Updates: GoldWave is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge tool for audio editing.
  • Time-Saving Shortcuts: The software supports customizable keyboard shortcuts, enabling users to perform common tasks more quickly and efficiently.
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  • Multi-Channel Recording: Capture up to 32 channels of high-resolution audio simultaneously.
  • Advanced Editing Tools: Utilize precise editing capabilities such as event-based editing, ripple editing, and spectral cleaning.
  • High-Resolution Audio Support: Work with audio files up to 64-bit/768 kHz for superior sound quality.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks by processing multiple files simultaneously with customizable scripts.
  • VST3 Effect Support: Integrate a wide range of third-party VST3 plugins for enhanced audio processing.
  • Noise Reduction: Employ sophisticated noise reduction tools to clean up audio recordings and remove unwanted background noise.
  • Mastering Suite: Access a comprehensive suite of mastering tools, including EQ, dynamics, and reverb, to polish your final mix.
  • CD Authoring: Create Red Book standard audio CDs with track markers, CD text, and ISRC codes.
  • Time Stretching and Pitch Shifting: Adjust the tempo and pitch of your audio without affecting its quality using advanced algorithms.
  • Script Editor: Write and execute custom scripts in JavaScript to automate complex tasks and enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Waveform and Spectral Views: Analyze and edit audio using both traditional waveform and detailed spectral views for greater precision.
  • DirectX Plugin Support: Expand your audio processing capabilities with support for DirectX plugins.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor your audio in real-time with accurate metering and visualization tools.
  • ACID Loop Creation: Create and edit ACID loops for seamless integration with ACID Pro and other loop-based DAWs.
  • Audio Restoration: Restore old or damaged recordings with tools designed to remove clicks, pops, and other imperfections.
  • Customizable Interface: Tailor the user interface to your workflow with dockable windows, customizable toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Surround Sound Editing: Edit and mix audio in various surround sound formats, including 5.1 and 7.1.
  • Integrated Help System: Access comprehensive documentation and tutorials directly within the software to assist with learning and troubleshooting.
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  • Multi-Track Editing: Allows users to work on multiple audio tracks simultaneously, facilitating complex audio projects.
  • Batch Processing: Automates the processing of large numbers of files, saving time on repetitive tasks like format conversion and effect application.
  • Audio Restoration: Includes tools for noise reduction, pop/click removal, and spectral analysis to clean up old or damaged recordings.
  • Effect Plugins: Offers a wide range of built-in effects such as reverb, echo, and equalization, with support for VST plugins to extend functionality.
  • Real-Time Visualizations: Provides real-time visual feedback through spectrograms, waveforms, and level meters, aiding in precise editing.
  • Customizable Interface: Features a user-friendly interface that can be tailored to individual workflows, including customizable toolbars and keyboard shortcuts.
  • File Format Support: Supports a broad array of audio formats including MP3, WAV, OGG, and FLAC, ensuring compatibility with various media types.
  • Voice Recording: Enables high-quality voice recording with options for direct microphone input and real-time monitoring.
  • CD Ripping and Burning: Facilitates the extraction of audio from CDs and the creation of custom audio CDs directly within the software.
  • Time and Pitch Modification: Allows precise control over time stretching and pitch shifting, useful for music production and voice manipulation.
  • Script Editor: Includes a scripting feature for automating complex tasks, enhancing productivity for advanced users.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Available for both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Comprehensive Help Resources: Provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support to assist users in mastering the software.
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Product Ranking

#14

among all
Audio Editing Software

#16

among all
Audio Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

59
60
73
89
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43
82
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Effects and Processing
Audio Formats and Conversion
Advanced Editing Tools
Effects and Processing

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Sound Forge
GoldWave
+ Add Product + Add Product
Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats And Conversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 73 83 43 80 87 61 89 100 82 80 89 73 0 25 50 75 100
75%
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75%
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100%
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67%
33%
67%
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80%
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20%
80%
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20%
91%
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9%
73%
18%
9%
63%
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37%
75%
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25%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

57%
29%
14%
14%
14%
72%
20%
0%
80%
20%
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80%

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Workflow: Sound Forge is celebrated for its user-friendly design, enabling both novice and seasoned users to navigate its features with ease. Its straightforward approach simplifies audio editing tasks, making it an accessible choice for users of all skill levels.
Precision Editing: The software provides meticulous control over audio, allowing for detailed edits and adjustments. Users praise its fine-tuned tools, which empower them to achieve professional-grade results.
Comprehensive Toolset: Sound Forge offers a wide array of features, encompassing recording, editing, restoration, and mastering. This comprehensive suite eliminates the need for multiple software, streamlining the audio production process.
Efficient Processing: Features like batch processing expedite repetitive tasks, saving users valuable time. This efficiency is crucial for professionals handling large volumes of audio content.
High-Quality Output: Sound Forge is engineered to deliver pristine audio quality. Its support for high-resolution audio ensures that recordings and edits maintain their fidelity, meeting professional standards.
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Easy to Use: GoldWave is known for its intuitive interface, which many users find easy to navigate without requiring tutorials. This allows both novice and experienced users to quickly grasp the software's functionality and begin editing audio effectively.
Comprehensive Feature Set: From basic editing functions like cut, copy, and paste to advanced effects and analysis tools, GoldWave offers a wide array of features. This comprehensive suite caters to a variety of audio editing needs, making it suitable for tasks ranging from simple clean-up to complex audio production.
Efficient Workflow: GoldWave includes features like batch processing, allowing users to apply effects or conversions to multiple files simultaneously. This streamlines repetitive tasks, saving time and increasing productivity, especially when working with large audio libraries.
Highly Configurable: Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, rearrange the interface layout, and even personalize waveform colors to suit their preferences. This level of customization allows for a more comfortable and efficient workflow tailored to individual needs and workflows.
Wide Format Support: GoldWave is compatible with a broad range of audio file formats, ensuring users can work with various audio sources without encountering compatibility issues. This versatility is crucial for professionals who handle diverse audio projects and need to work seamlessly across different formats.
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Cost Compared to Alternatives: Some users find Sound Forge's pricing to be less competitive compared to free alternatives like Audacity, especially for users with basic audio editing needs.
Plugin Compatibility: Sound Forge has known issues with certain VST plugins, which can be a significant drawback for users who rely on specific third-party plugins for their workflow.
Potential Complexity: While praised for its professional tools, Sound Forge's extensive features can feel overwhelming for beginners or users with simple editing requirements, particularly when compared to more streamlined software.
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Interface Challenges: Some users have reported experiencing difficulties with the user interface, finding it less intuitive than other audio editing software.
Limited Editing Features: Compared to other professional audio editing programs, GoldWave may have limitations in its advanced editing capabilities, potentially impacting complex audio projects.
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Can Sound Forge really forge its way to the top of the audio editing software heap? Recent user reviews suggest a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate its robust single-track editing capabilities, particularly for tasks like mastering and audio restoration, some find its limitations frustrating. Sound Forge shines with its intuitive interface and powerful tools like Normalize and Pitch Shift, making complex edits surprisingly approachable, even for beginners. The dedicated features for audiobook production, such as the Truncate Silence function and specialized export options, are a significant draw for audiobook creators. However, the lack of multi-track editing is a glaring omission, forcing users to juggle multiple programs for more complex projects. The price point also raises eyebrows, with some users balking at the cost compared to more affordable, albeit less feature-rich, alternatives like Audacity. Compatibility hiccups with certain Windows versions, especially older iterations of the software, further muddy the waters. In essence, Sound Forge is like a high-end sculpting knife: exceptional for detailed, single-focus work but ill-suited for larger, multi-layered projects. Its strengths lie in its specialized tools and user-friendly approach, making it a boon for podcasters, musicians working on individual tracks, and audiobook narrators. However, those seeking a comprehensive multi-track editing solution might find Sound Forge's single-track focus a deal-breaker and should look elsewhere.

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Is GoldWave worth its weight in gold, or is it just fool's gold? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of this audio editing software, highlighting its user-friendly interface and powerful features. Many users praise GoldWave for its intuitive design, claiming that even beginners can jump in and start editing without needing extensive tutorials. This ease of use, coupled with its comprehensive suite of tools, makes it a strong contender against competitors like Audacity. However, some users find GoldWave's interface somewhat dated, wishing for a more modern look and feel. Despite this, the software's strengths lie in its powerful editing capabilities, including over 40 audio effects, real-time visualizations, and batch processing. Its support for various file formats and highly configurable interface, allowing customization of shortcuts and layouts, further solidify its position as a versatile tool for both basic and advanced audio editing tasks. GoldWave is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable audio editing solution, from podcasters and musicians to video editors and casual users. Its ease of use, combined with its powerful features and affordable lifetime license, makes it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced users alike.

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