Sony Creative Software has announced an upgrade to their Sound Forge professional digital audio editing application to version 9.0. This upgrade contains a wide range of new features including multi-channel audio support, new workflow enhancements and wet/dry mix and crossfade options for effects. Additionally, Sound Forge 9 provides new tools for audio analysis, including phase scopes, mono compatibility meters and multi-channel-capable spectrum analysis. Sound Forge 9 also offers multi-channel 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. Please note that a version 9.0a is also posted, which should be downloaded and installed only after you upgrade to version 9.
Roland has announced newly released Microsoft Windows Vista drivers for use with Roland, BOSS, and EDIROL branded products. According to the company, months of testing results have been stable with no problems. Some of these drivers are already available and Roland expects to release drivers for dozens of additional models on the Roland web site over the next few weeks as final tests on each driver are completed. For full compatibility information and access to the download pages go to Roland’s web site.
Native Instruments has released Vokator v1.2, which adds Universal Binary support to the unique vocoding synthesizer. Users of Intel-based Macintosh computers can now make full use of this versatile effect on their machines. The 1.2 update is solely required for operation on Intel-based Macs. For activation, a Universal Binary license code needs to be purchased for $29 in the NI Online Shop. Customers who first registered Vokator or NI Komplete after September 12th, 2006, are eligible for a free Universal Binary license code.
The company has also released NI-Spektral Delay v1.6, an update for its unique FFT-based effect processor that will allow users of Intel-based Macintosh computers to utilize the full potential of this creative sound design tool on their machines. Like the Vokator update, v1.6 is solely required for operation on Intel-based Macs and a license code needs to be purchased in the NI Online Shop. Similarly, customers who first registered NI-Spektral Delay or NI Komplete after September 12th, 2006, are eligible for a free Universal Binary license code.