Subject:SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Posted by: Angels

Date:11/1/2012 5:18:26 PM

The previous thread on this subject was hijacked into a support issue (BTW, thanks for the verbose crash dump, msrpro2. A good read...).

My main workstation is a PC but my portable rig is a MBP. Like others here, I've used SF in Parallels for the last few years and that's worked out well for the occasional use I've had for it. When I heard that Sony was coming out with SF Mac, I was looking forward to launching SF directly into OS X without having to start Parallels.

But personally I find the pricing structure uninteresting, First the $250 cross-grade price: I was expecting something closer to a regular upgrade price ($150) considering all money I've spent over the years supporting SF. But then it also dawned on me that instead of supporting one software across two platforms, it looks like I would be supporting two pieces of software across two platforms as if they are two separate entities, which essentially is going to double their upgrade maintenance costs every year.

It would make more sense for me to support this as one software across two platforms, but from Sony's perspective, the OS X version is a totally new build; so it makes sense in this context why Sony keeps harping on the fact that it was "built from the ground up", and why they've adopted the current pricing structure.

If this is the model Sony is embarking on for SF, then it makes more sense for me to stay with my current option. I need Parallels for other softwares anyway and its upgrade price is less than $50/year. I'm sure others feel differently, but Sony is making me choose between the platforms, and for now I have to chose PC. When I have simple limited work to do directly in OS X, I can use Audity or Ocenaudio, both freewares, or a cheaper commercial editor.

Subject:RE: SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Reply by: roblesinge

Date:11/2/2012 7:58:25 AM

You're right on the money with this observation. In my situation, I use PC for my work and a Mac at home. So, ideally I'd like to pay one price to use SF on either system (though not both at the same time). Adobe did the same thing when they released Audition for the Mac. You had to choose which platform you wanted your upgrade pricing to apply to. I chose simply not to upgrade. I love what Ableton does with their Live software. I pay one price and it works wherever I install it. Something for Sony to think about as they inevitably start moving all of their software packages to the Mac.

Rob.

Subject:RE: SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Reply by: Angels

Date:11/3/2012 3:11:59 PM

Hi Rob,

Ableton's not the only ones that do this: Steinberg's software (Wavelab, Cubendo), and Reaper are also cross-platform. Almost all plugin devs charge one price for dual platform use. Being a two-platform user, it would be absurd for me to pay twice as much for my software since I'm the only user of this software. I generally stay away from software that I can't run on both platforms. While some use hardware keys to limit use to one machine, it's still possible to use the software on either platform with the same key.

I also agree with you that it would be forward looking for a mature software house like Sony (this ex-Sonic Foundry division) to develop their software so that it can compile for both platforms and offer pricing accordingly. Platform agnostic development makes a lot more sense in the longer term. That's a lesson the game development companies learned long ago.

Subject:RE: SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Reply by: jackn2mpu

Date:11/5/2012 12:20:39 PM

Rob:
ProTools is also cross-platform for one price no matter where you use it - you are only limited to being able to use one platform at any one point in time due to the iLok copy protection. Please don't bring that into this discussion as that's neither here nor there. The thing is - one price and use it on Mac, PC, whatever. Upgrade one and you've got the upgrade for both platforms.

Long time SF user - as far back as SF6 and was really looking forward to SF Mac seeing as how my Winbox has gone south. Alas - not to be. Adobe Audition for now.

Jack

Subject:RE: SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Reply by: roblesinge

Date:11/5/2012 3:43:20 PM

I'm not sure why my aside about copy protection was a problem, but I assure you I agree with what you said. There should just be a Sound Forge Pro that runs on both platforms. I'm just glad I wasn't forced to abandon SF for Windows at this juncture. I'm hoping that SF for Mac becomes exponentially better very quickly, but I'm certainly not switching anytime soon.

Rob.

Subject:RE: SF Pro for the Mac - Version 1.0 + Price : Try 2!

Reply by: jackn2mpu

Date:11/5/2012 5:57:08 PM

Rob:
I don't see anything in your post about copy protection. I just added that so no one would misunderstand where I was coming from. There's lots of great programs out there and some people have heartburn with certain copy protection schemes. I used to be a rabid iLok hater but have learned to love the little bugger.

Jack