The first version of Sound Forge was released in 1991. Back then an audio-editing program didn’t have to do much to gain approval. These days it takes much more to impress. Case in point: A persistent complaint about Sound Forge has been its two-track limitation. For audio producers who couldn’t see a clear distinction between editing stereo and 5.1, this restriction put Sound Forge increasingly out of sync with their workflow.

With Sound Forge 9, Sony Creative Software (formerly Sony Media Software) has finally delivered the goods on multichannel. Rather than awkwardly tack-on the extra tracks, as some competing programs have done, the additional tracks are fully integrated throughout the various features. For example, the Spectrum Analysis tools now display the shifting frequencies in real time for all the tracks of a mono, stereo, 2.1, quad, 5.1 or 7.1 mix. You instantly see if your tracks lack specific frequencies at any point in the mix. Similarly, the new Phase Scope and Mono Compatibility Meters show phase cancellation problems in real time for each individual track.

Sound Forge 9 supports a wide range of multichannel file formats, including Multichannel Microsoft Wave (.wav), Multichannel Video for Windows (.avi), Dolby AC-3 (.ac3), Material Exchange Format (.mxf), Multichannel ATRAC (.oma) and Multichannel Windows Media (.wma and .wmv). It can also edit XDCAM audio, which isn’t surprising as Sony manufactures both XDCAM and XDCAM HD camcorders. You can even record your multichannel audio directly into the program. MIDI support is still weak compared with audio editors, such as Cakewalk’s SONAR or Steinberg’s CUBASE, but it’s more than adequate for generating MIDI time code, synching to external MIDI devices and responding to MIDI commands.

As before, video support is limited. If you want to edit multiple video tracks along with your multichannel audio tracks, Vegas would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want to edit multichannel audio along with an already edited video track, Sound Forge 9 may be all you’ll need. It will let you attach your video to an audio file, remove pull down when opening 24p DV video, preview your video with an external monitor and interpolate video frames when rendering to a higher frame rate.

If $399.95 seems steep, consider that Sound Forge is highly regarded among audio producers for its easy-to-use edit tools and powerful real-time feedback. This latest version includes an arsenal of essential plug-in effects, such as the Mastering Effects Bundle powered by iZotope, Acoustic Mirror and Noise Reduction 2.0. You also receive a free Dolby Digital AC-3 Studio plug-in (unfortunately, you can’t alter its parameters) and Sony’s CD Architect 5.2.

Sound Forge 9 is a substantial upgrade to an already impressive application. Now that it supports multichannel audio (finally!), it should be on the short list of programs for anyone doing professional-quality sound editing. ■