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#14

Sound Forge is ranked #14 in the Audio Editing Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Sound Forge Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Sound Forge pricing starts at $199 (One-Time).

Price
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Starting From
$199
Pricing Model
One-Time
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Sound Forge is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Sound Forge:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Sound Forge Benefits and Insights

Why use Sound Forge?

Key differentiators & advantages of Sound Forge

  • 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.

Industry Expertise

Sound Forge is known for its expertise in audio editing, restoration, and mastering, making it a popular choice for professionals and semi-professionals in the music industry, podcasting, and voice-over work. It's particularly well-suited for tasks like cleaning up audio recordings, removing noise, and enhancing audio quality.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Sound Forge reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.

Researcher's Summary:

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.

Key Features

Notable Sound Forge features include:

  • 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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