Subject:Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Posted by: Hman

Date:12/6/2001 9:56:33 AM

Hello SF users- this is my first post and I was wondering how you all like SF 5.0 for mastering? I record all my stuff via Pro Tools and I'm looking for a program other than what I have to master. I have
all the waves plugs so, these will be a nice addition to what is already offered. Can you also listen to your effects in realtime? Just looking for some opinions on this program for mastering stereo files. I'm already using t-racks but want something with a little more options. Thanks guys.

Subject:RE: Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Reply by: rraud

Date:12/6/2001 12:18:12 PM

There's nothing like a good pro mastering house, but if that's not in your budget, Sound Forge is great for editing and mastering.. and along with your Waves Plug-ins you should be happy with it.
However I prefer the SF 4.5 to 5.0 at this point, as do a lot of us I think. But 5.0 comes with a lot of decent plug-ins and yes you can audition in real time.
I assume your Pro-tools is the Windows based version, Sound Forge is not available for the Mac OS, but will open and save .aif files.

Subject:RE: Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Reply by: VU-1

Date:12/6/2001 11:45:14 PM

Been using SF4.5 to Master quite a few projects and have been mostly happy with the results. However, I have also started using Vegas to Master simply because it is a NON-DESTRUCTIVE editor. Sound Forge is a DESTRUCTIVE editor. There have been times that little subtle things pop out after applying processing that weren't apparent before and I would need to edit them out or do some volume adjustments within a tune and things like that before processing the file. Sound Forge won't do this easily whereas Vegas will.
Sound Forge 4.5 does not support resolutions over 16-bit - SF5.0 does. SF5.0 does not have some of the tools that 4.5 does. Vegas, on the other hand, does support high res. but does not have the tooling that 4.5 has.
Sooooooo, you get to pick the one that works best for your situation.

You will find that any of these are easy to use, yet powerful tools.

Jeff Lowes
On-Track Recording

Subject:RE: Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:12/7/2001 5:53:53 PM

I've been running a pro mastering house for 4 years now and SF has been my choice and I've tried all the other options. If they would just give me a simulated VU meter that I've been asking for I'ld be 100% satisfied.

99% satisfied,
Brian Franz
The Groove Factory Mastering

Subject:RE: Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Reply by: StudioToo

Date:12/11/2001 10:01:34 PM

I also get pretty good results with T-racks but its a stand alone and not a direct X plug in so that's kinda of a bummer. I also use SAW Pro, but since they just went out of business, I am now shopping for a new program. I love the multi track features in SAW and some how can't concieve of working in only 2 tracks with something like Sound Forge. Maybe Vegas is a better alterrnative? Any thoughts? Which has the quicker learning curve. I have not needed to learn a new program in almost 5 years.

Subject:RE: Should I get SF 5.0 to master my projects?

Reply by: sk

Date:12/11/2001 10:50:19 PM

I really oughta leave this one for Rednroll/B.F. but unless it's just a matter of semantics, the 'mastering' I thought being discussed for Sound Forge was after it had already been mixed down to 2 track stereo. Since Sound Forge itself doesn't even offer a multi-track option, it can really only be used for 2 track stereo mastering. It sounds like you're used to working with the same software to multi-track record, mix down, and master all in one. Sound Forge would not seem to be the right product to fit that bill. But in terms of mastering the final stereo mix, that's another story. But as I said, Rednroll is much better equipped to respond than I am. I'll only add that because of Sound Forge's Direct X capabilities, you can add any number of plug-ins to tailor it to your needs, as far as the final mastering goes. For example, Izotope Ozone has been getting very good reviews. It's not a stand alone program; it's a plug-in that needs a DirectX compatible host. It specifically bills itself as a final mastering tool; essentially the last step before the 'glass cd', so to speak. The combination of SF and Ozone seems to be making a lot of folks quite content. Sonic Foundry has begun to supply Vegas LE to fill the multi track void, but again it would seem to depend on your specific needs. I'm not familiar enough with the program you've been using to know what might be the best replacement, but others here most likely can help you there too.
SK