It may seem mundane to some, but I actually really dig the suped up dithering and resampling algorithms. Let's face it, many times audio files must be converted in order to be used for a specific projects, etc. And it's been my experience that many times the automatic conversion than occurs when I drop files into an NLE just doesn't sound as good as it should. Also realize that quality is cumulative, meaning that the more clips you layer on top of each other to create that perfect audio bed, the more the quality becomes apparent. Using SFP10's batch converter, you can pull together all of the clips you want and convert them in bulk to a specific format, sample rate, etc. and save them into their own folder while you go make yourself a coffee. Speaking of formats, I was also happy to see support for MP4's in this release.
SFP10 has the ability to open multiple video file formats (including those with multichannel audio streams), preview the video while you operate on its aural soundscape, then save the video file with the sweetened audio.
Performance
No problems. SFP10 ran great, as always, and met every expectation in this area. Although it is a 32-bit application, it's coding is very efficient and it ran very fast and reliably on my 64-bit Windows 7 installation.
Value
SFP10 goes for $399 on Sony's website and less than that elsewhere. Given all of the free add-ons (valued at several hundred bucks) this packages offers, it represents a great value for the money in my opinion!
Final Comments Overall, I feel that Sony is offering a compelling option for anyone needing extensive audio manipulation capabilities without the real-time features of a more expensive full-fledged multitracking environment. That said, Sound Forge Pro 10 is a deep program with tons of file-based editing, mixing, and mastering capabilities. I would especially recommend it for the creation of sound effects clips, or, for that matter, prepping any type of audio clips for use in your NLE, and for editing/mastering stems that are already mixed. And in my opinion, you can't beat the rock-solid stability!
Ease
of Use
10.0
Depth
of Options
9.0
Performance
10.0
Value
vs. Cost
9.0
Overall Score
9.5
John Howard has been perfecting sound as an audio engineer for over 10 years. When he's not reviewing gear and software for Microfilmmaker Magazine, he's in the studio recording vocalists and bands, as well as doing post for TV shows and films, through his audio post/recording company, Oakwood Sound Design.
