Subject:SF9 WISHLIST

Posted by: kbruff

Date:8/29/2006 10:09:14 AM

Running List (additive summary), I have shortened some of the comments. The original source comment should be within the thread:

(01). Vegas style audio editing, cropping

(02). Mixing and overlapping like Vegas

(03). Fading in and out like Vegas in addition to the existing fade features

(04). Midi support for surface control

(05). Spectral editing

(06). EQ curve matching

(07). Better Sony pluggins

(08). Special Edition of Sony Oxford pluggins for Sony Sound Forge

(09). Icon builder for custom scripts

(10). A dockable media/info bar that displays the list of files open and other info and allows instant access to an open file.

(11). The ability to group custom presets together by similar settings, parameters, etc.

(12). Better keyboard mapping.

(13). Graphic Dynamics: ability to apply different envelope curves between points as well as the ability to right click on a point in the graph to enter in a specific numeric value for more precise processing

(14). Graphic EQ: ablity to apply different envelope curves between points

(15). Better time stretching capabilities with the option to stretch/compress both time/pitch using values entered as bpm

(16). Include 4 track multi-tracking to allow mastering of 'stem mixes' or seperations, similar to Audio Montage in Wavelab or Samplitude Master (mastering seperations is the new standard for mastering, allowing more clarity and spatialness) and surround-sound mixing as DVD-A is becoming more standardized and common.

(17) Professional screen outputs for creating analysis reports, i.e. take a snap shot of a region - reveal FFT, dump graphics and text file of select content

(18) Command prompt

(19) Ability to create vectors from audio data and hence permit functional operations on the arrays

(20) More advanced mix tools

(21) Useful live spectrum analysis.

(22) Better mastering tools

(23) Editing Cropping tools that allow you to select multiple regions to delete/keep.

(24) Mackie C4 external controler support. For more info see:

(25) Output Monitoring volume control.

(26) Realtime preview of MP3 in the plugin chainer with the ability to change parameters.

(27) Multiple sessions

(28) Continuous recording of audio and faster repaint for long sessions

(29) Security features -- lockout during recording process

(30) Batch / Macro creator using mouse movements

(31) Command history

(32) BWF file support with timecode

(33) 4 or more channel mixing.

(34) Ability to normalize only one channel when using batch processing. Currently you can normalize one channel when working with a file but the channel selection is greyed out in batch processing mode.

(35) Ability to create custom toolbar

(36) Back up utility

(37) Autosave with indexing features

(38) Simple peak detector with markers

(39) Optional Analog meters

(40) Optional Line for inputting text along the time line, not just markers but for narration and dictation services

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:8/29/2006 11:33:00 AM

Nice list. I've posted mine here before, but here is some of it again:

-- A dockable media/info bar that dislays the list of files open and other info and allows instant access to an open file. It's cumbersome to have to repeatedly navigate to specific open files using the "More Windows" option under the Window menu, especially when you have a dozen or more files open and they are buried under one another

-- The ability to group custom presets together by similar settings, parameters, etc. This would be helpful for those of us who have a ton of custom presets and have to scroll through several dozen to find the right one

-- Better keyboard mapping. The current one is confusing and not very intuitive

-- Updated effects & processing (isn't it about time?). Some examples:

1) Graphic Dynamics: ability to apply different envelope curves between points as well as the ability to right click on a point in the graph to enter in a specific numeric value for more precise processing

2) Graphic EQ: ablity to apply different envelope curves between points

3) Better time stretching capabilities with the option to stretch/compress both time/pitch using values entered as bpm

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:8/29/2006 6:49:28 PM

I've proposed something similar to #1 before. It would be wonderful when pasting to have the new material "float" over the timeline. It could be moved around and adjusted in realtime while playback is occuring, and then when it's positioned correctly it can be "flattened" into the main timeline. Having fadeable edges would of course be part of this. I think this would be a very welcome addition that doesn't change "How Sound Forge Works" and wouldn't require retooling the interface.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:8/30/2006 2:51:47 AM

Just like in CDA !!! But yes, avital and missing finction for SF. On rec.audio.pro some of us are trying to help Mike Rivers edit and slide bits around to tweak - not possible in SF but eminently doable in CDA (or Vegas or Acid). WHy not in SF ?

geoff

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: leedsquietman

Date:8/31/2006 2:46:36 PM

Biggies for me to truly make this a professional class audio editing software would be to include 4 track multi-tracking to allow mastering of 'stem mixes' or seperations, similar to Audio Montage in Wavelab or Samplitude Master (mastering seperations is the new standard for mastering, allowing more clarity and spatialness) and surround-sound mixing as DVD-A is becoming more standardized and common.

I know that this would bump up the price quite a bit and maybe takes SF beyond it's most rudimentary function of basic audio editing at which it excels. I am a big fan of SF8.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Andreas S.

Date:9/10/2006 2:30:26 PM

When is SF9 due anyway? I know they've announced Vegas 7 (too bad it's still VFW, but meh...eventually they'll have to recode and use Directshow). Usually they come out together.

Mind you, considering the now forgotten debacle of the SF8 release (does anyone remember how INCREDIBLY bugged it was - I went back to SF6 until 8.0b came out), I can wait. I just hate that they're always released this time of year when my production load starts up...how about a summer release so we can get it in the workpath BEFORE we're too busy?

I don't mind SF8...the lists above are very good, and I'd chip in and say that SF9 could use some more advanced mix tools and some useful live spectrum analysis. I'd be THRILLED if there were some serious mastering tools installed...but since I use Ozone etc...it's not critical (but I'd be happy since it would save me money).

I'd definitely second...

Better Plugins (they're a bit rinky dink compared to the stock Sonitus plugins with Cakewalk)
Grahic EQ
Graphic Dynamics
Control Surface integration (for anyone who's ever had grief, Cakewalk's Sonar 6 looks to make some major strides on this front)

Editing Cropping tools that allow you to select multiple regions to delete/keep. THAT would be a bonus (I've used some tools on broadcast wire servcies that are fantastic for multi-edits).

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: SHTUNOT

Date:9/10/2006 2:40:11 PM

Mackie C4 external controler support. For more info see:

http://www.mackie.com/products/c4/index.html

Mixing audio plugins with a mouse should be optional.

Ed.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: ibliss

Date:9/10/2006 3:12:51 PM

Output Monitoring volume control.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: mpd

Date:9/11/2006 12:52:21 PM

Realtime preview of MP3 in the plugin chainer with the ability to change parameters.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: tomaras

Date:9/16/2006 11:05:55 AM

1. BWF file support with timecode
2. 4 or more channel mixing.
3. Ability to normalize only one channel when using batch processing. Currently you can normalize one channel when working with a file but the channel selection is greyed out in batch processing mode.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: rraud

Date:9/16/2006 1:14:55 PM

The next version of SF will have non of the above ... just cause we requested them... or that's the way it seems,

SONY: pro users F-- Y--

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Andreas S.

Date:9/20/2006 10:37:21 PM

You know rr...I'm starting to wonder if that isn't the case. SONY's pro division is still big into video, but audio, not so much. They seem to have abandoned any of the pro decks of MD (which in broadcast EVERYONE used). They haven't replaced the MD's with anything digital that I've seen. In the meantime, Marantz and Nagra have stolen that share almost entirely.

That said, it's still important to ask.

I just wish, if Sony was thinking of abandoning pro users in favour of "lite" products for consumers, they'd say so. I'd rather get a head-start on switching to other tech.

Oh...did everyone mention automation tools? I have some great new MOTU gear and software control would be great. The CueMix stuff with MOTU is fine, but I'd rather not have that extra window open.

And finally...any word on SF9's release? I'm not in a big hurry....I just prefer having a grasp before I have to alter workflow for installs etc (yes, my schedule is that busy).

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:10/6/2006 10:30:39 AM

Another feature -- that would be exceptional ---

Is the ability to install hyperlinks in MP3's to make it so that a point in the song -- web site location could be mounted in the default browser.

Thanks,
Kevin

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Bill Hively

Date:10/7/2006 5:36:05 PM

Sorry to get in late on this topic, but I can't overstate the basic utility of item #25. This is #1 on my list. MOTU CueMix doesn't provide volume control (or any control except on and off) over audio originating from the computer. (The knob on the front of the 896HD does, of course.) Every other audio app I use has a "master volume," including CDA.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Bill Hively

Date:10/7/2006 5:40:40 PM

I agree about some of the advantages of multichannel mixing (though I'm not yet sold on DVD-A), but I use CWHS for this, and will use Vegas when I can afford it. Didn't Vegas begin as a multitrack recording app, and only later sprout video?

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Bill Hively

Date:10/7/2006 5:47:14 PM

I bought XFX 1-3 before I had SFor CDA, because I thought they worked and sounded better than the FX that came with CWHS 04. Do I have old software, or just a wimpy version? Granted, I don't usually use the ExpressFX plugins, though often one 'knob' that does what's needed beats 20 unnecessary ones.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:10/26/2006 7:36:58 AM

Another feature to distinguish Sound Forge from the others would be the following:

For a mastering tool the following tool would be incredible, and of course is possible.

Take a reference track to which you are using as a standard. You take a FFT snap shot of the track. Then you take a FFT snap shot of the track which is undergoing the mastering process. Now you can apply series of mathematical operations on the FFT data for example:

A -B = C,
And C / n and n can be integer values. Therefore small differentials can be considered at a time.

Where
A is the FFT information from the reference audio.
And B is the FFT information on the target audio.
Hence the differential C can now be offered as input data from statiscal analysis. Hence we can now say: This band of frequencies requires adjustment by in introducing equalization or band compression/expansion. The application will not require a dedicated pluggin but rather a output that will assist the mastering engineer on how the processing should be conducted.

Anyway just some information from my imagination

Kevin

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:11/7/2006 9:07:03 PM

Additional mastering feature would be -- what if conditions:

If I render to X sample rate at Y bit depth -- what is the loss in sonic quality.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: RikTheRik

Date:11/24/2006 11:56:55 AM

> Take a reference track to which you are using as a standard. You take a FFT snap shot of the track. Then you take a FFT snap shot of the track which is undergoing the mastering process. Now you can apply series of mathematical operations on the FFT data

You can do that with Ozone 3 and several other plugins do provide this functionality. I'm not a pro in mastering but I have not found this to be very usefull...

Erik.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:11/25/2006 6:16:54 AM

You can do that with Ozone 3 and several other plugins do provide this functionality. I'm not a pro in mastering but I have not found this to be very usefull...


It has use in terms having a uniform EQ curve accross several tracks on a CD. Especially when making a mini CD for promotionally reasons.

Many engineers need an EQ analysis tool -- it allows us to understand where we should focus our editing.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: Skaven252

Date:11/28/2006 7:19:22 AM

Equal Power crossfade loop feature, to enhance the current linear crossfader which causes a volume dip in the loop.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:11/29/2006 5:05:28 AM

New feature ---

select a region of audio, select the devide tool and then the devide tool inserts regions at every interval and then intelligently finds all zero crossings. Now you can split up long files very quickly and have some confidence that annoying transients would be avoided as best as possible.

This would help out for those long narrations or just long recordings in general.

Thanks -
Kevin

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:11/29/2006 8:17:03 AM

Another new feature:

Select and area of audio (say 1 second in length) and clicking on the selection, you're able to drag and slide the selection AREA (not the chunk of selected audio) back and forth to another part of the audio. This might not make sense to some users, but to me, it would be a very useful feature, as it would allow me to repeat an effect over different parts of the audio without having to constantly place markers or mark-in/out the area of audio I want to modify.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:11/29/2006 9:59:15 AM

Ok I am in feature frenzy mode...

For purposes of staff training and teaching having the ability to see a sequential list of all operations applied to a particle file, with respect to a known session.

It is also possible that recipes could be developed for helping users figure out how to perform particular operations.

The script file could then be read and animation of the sequence could be optional so that users could see how the process is done.

This would make enterprise usage of sound forge way more advance than anything out there.

This is sort of how training is done in computer aided drawing fields, a script lists the operations and then compares the list to the optimal process list and scores the user or indicates areas where additional training might be needed.

Bye,
Kevin

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:1/4/2007 4:45:02 PM

SF9 IN 2007

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:1/7/2007 11:46:50 AM

Yeah, I wish that too.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:1/31/2007 10:16:10 AM

Another awesome feature would be to have a bunch of gadgets which are telling you specific things such as...

Maximum loudness
Channel balance percentage
File attributes
File Size
History of pluggin usage and commands

or a way to build your own

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:2/3/2007 8:55:42 AM

So no news on SF9, not even after that recent music convention thingy? Does that mean a Q3/Q4 wait at the earliest?

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: rraud

Date:2/3/2007 6:25:28 PM

IMO, Probably no SF-9 until they have some Vista issues worked out. I can understand that. Then again, the way SMS is headed with audio, they may drop it all together.
But then again... I see Peter from SMS is posting more so that may be a good sign in Vegas audio anyway.. I would really not like to go back to PTs which is totally different since I used it years ago on a Mac. I have WaveLab but don't much like the GUI. The meters are great though.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:2/5/2007 3:52:25 AM

Wavelab 7 from what I hear is having a whole new interface designed. Rumors suggest that some of the Native Intruments / Modern European look will be applied. If that is the case then all the variants of Wavelab will be more attractive.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:2/8/2007 11:39:40 AM

Another new feature could be the following...

An investigation window would allow the user to customize an investigation window.
The window would be semi-transparent glass like design with borders which indicate
the range of the audio data which is being addressed by the tool. Features may include
Frequency content, DB level, peak, time amount, number of peaks over specified limit, and
Channel balance, etc. The info panel may popup or be available after a user selection.
Another panel may appear which would be a panel that hosts the favorite DSP pluggin of choice. In
addition to the DSP pluggin of choice there could be a note pad function which allows the user
to document the processes and take notes on what is being processed.

This window tool slides aroud along the time line for the purposes of allowing tight investigations
of specific areas of an audio file.

If the user wishes not to use this tool they can simply deactivate it on the toolbar.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:2/9/2007 10:41:17 AM

I second the window thingy.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: ctbarker32

Date:2/12/2007 4:04:46 PM

FLAC support across the entire line for gosh sakes!

DivX support as well!

-CB

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: David Thiel

Date:3/14/2007 5:13:26 PM

I want the scalable horizontal scroll thumb like in Vegas. If you haven't seen Vegas, there are thin vertical lines at each extreme of the scroll thumb. You can grab them and scale the size of the scroll thumb as a means of setting the Zoom setting for viewing the waveform.
I work in both SF and Vegas and I keep grabbing the thumb in a futile effort to scale the display horizontally in SF.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: jamez_p

Date:3/15/2007 6:51:40 AM

Better volume level meters. ie- Like Wavelab
-More accurate
-Smaller db scale below and above the 0db mark. This would help with getting the maximum record level without clipping
-Better graphics for the level meters they look so dated

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:3/15/2007 8:28:35 AM

How about the ability to change the colors on the meters? I would prefer the option to select the color, instead of those gawd-awful rainbow colors. Blech.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:3/15/2007 9:56:44 AM

New – feature:

Select a region of length N which has M number of samples; perform the following multi-band split, according to pre-determined bands by a spectral band selection tool.

Now suppose you have a three band split, now you have three tracks each with frequencies above, below or between determined ranges.

Now if Sound Forge 9 has at least an 8 track editing environment, it is now possible to have multi-track mastering environment in whish bands can be mixed down to a stereo track within an intelligent environment which has extensive metering and editing capabilities.

I have done this before in different applications, although the band split process was done over and over again until bands were delivered. The final sonic results were actually amazing. There was minimal phasing with excellent detail.

This could be done without automation but it certainly would be cool to see this as a DAW based approach to multi-band editing and mixing.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: porkjelly

Date:3/16/2007 3:24:53 AM

This is a minor annoyance and pretty much applies to all of Sony's software. Please design wider groove paths for the levers. The grooves that the levers "slide" along are needle-thin. Too many times, I'll go to click next to a lever to change the volume (or other parameter) in 1 decibel increments, but instead, I end up doing it in 0.1 decibel increments. Often, it'll take several clickss before I get it.

Also, a nice feature to save all customizations: layout, toolbars, shortcut keys, custom colors, etc.

That's all for now. Thanks!

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: rraud

Date:3/16/2007 8:19:50 AM

How about spectrum editing like Adobe Audition and Wavelab.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: donp

Date:3/31/2007 5:34:10 PM

I can't wait for SF9 as I once thought and I need the spectrum editing that Wavelab offers so Steinberg here I come.

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: jasonjbundy

Date:4/6/2007 6:04:48 AM

Without getting hammered into 10,000 miliion pieces:

Sound Forge on Mac OSX.

And forget the dual booting routine. It really isn't that great (yet).

Subject:RE: SF9 WISHLIST

Reply by: kbruff

Date:4/6/2007 8:34:39 AM

The MAC book pro is really an amazing machine. We have several of them in our studio. We are just waiting on the UAD EXPANDER.