Sony Creative Software has announced an upgrade to their Sound Forge professional digital audio editing application to version 9.

Sound Forge 9 software contains a wide range of new features including multichannel audio support, which allows users to edit, process, and record multichannel audio files. Also new are workflow enhancements such as drag-and-drop editing between channels, and new wet/dry mix and crossfade options for effects. Additionally, Sound Forge 9 software provides new tools for audio analysis including phase scopes, mono compatibility meters, and multichannel-capable spectrum analysis. Other new features include channel and hardware meters, multichannel Windows Media format support, and Dolby Digital AC-3 export.

In addition to supporting Windows XP, Sound Forge 9 and CD Architect 5 software are now compatible with the new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.

The new Sound Forge 9 audio production suite also includes nearly $700 of additional software; CD Architect, Noise Reduction, and the Mastering Effects Bundle powered by iZotope.

• CD Architect 5 – CD Architect software is a professional mastering and layout tool for burning Red Book audio CDs. With CD Architect software, PQ editing is fast and intuitive. This application is everything users need for precise control over details such as pause times, fades, index markers, and time and track manipulation. Users can master audio by applying over 20 real-time DirectX® effects to events, and perform seamless disc-at-once CD burning
• Noise Reduction 2 – Users can give new life to audio from LPs, cassettes, CDs, MP3s, and more with Noise Reduction 2 software. This collection of audio plug-ins includes Noise Reduction, Audio Restoration, Click and Crackle Removal, and Clipped Peak Restoration. Users can apply these plug-ins to fix common audio problems such as tape hiss, camera hum, clicks, and pops. Additionally, users can easily recondition old tracks and vinyl, problem recordings, and even damaged audio.
• Mastering Effects Bundle powered by iZotope – Sound Forge 9 software includes the new Mastering Effects Bundle, powered by iZotope, makers of world-class audio mastering tools. This powerful bundle includes four professional audio plug-ins: Mastering Reverb, Multiband-Band Compressor, the IRC Limiter loudness maximizer, and the Analog EQ parametric equalizer.

“Sound Forge has long been relied upon by the top production talent in the music industry,” said Mark Ethier, CEO of iZotope, Inc. “By combining our expertise and success in mastering technology with Sony’s award-winning audio processing platform, we feel this release provides the ultimate in precision and quality for audio professionals in modern media production.”

Sound Forge 9 software is now available worldwide through software stores and online retailers for US $399.95 (List Price).