CNET review Sound Forge Audio Studio 8. For creating and manipulating digital audio, they say Sound Forge Audio Studio is “perhaps the most complete and easy-to-use application for Windows PCs.”

They say the interface is a bit boring but as a result quite intuitive. As for features, there are no real surprises, but they say “what makes Sound Forge Audio Studio so powerful is the depth of its tools, such as delay and chorus effects or vinyl restoration, and the ease with which these are applied. Plus, everything is done in real time and in a nondestructive manner.”

Sound Forge Audio Studio has another unusual feature aimed more at relative beginners. “Perhaps the most empowering feature for novice users is the publishing option, which uploads musical creations to ACIDplanet.com, a vibrant online community of music makers spanning all genres. Here, members can publish their songs, bios, and commentary, as well as listen to and rate others’ compositions. Users can also download more free samples, view homemade videos, join discussion forums, and enter contests.” I like the concept of an audio application that “empowers” its users.

They rate the program highly for its compatibility with many audio and video formats; its customizable interface; excellent real-time effects; export options; and its top performance. The downside is that it is a single-track editor only, and doesn’t support third-party plug-ins or plug-in chaining. The overall rating is 8 out of ten — excellent — and the bottom line: “You can’t find a more reliable and feature-filled audio program for less than $70.”

Buy Sound Forge at SameDayMusic.com