Is there anyone Digitizing Records?

paul-t4618aulieT wrote on 3/2/2025, 8:55 AM

Hello,

I'm using Sound Forge to digitize my large record collection. Currently I am using Sound Forge Pro 10 along with Noise Reduction 2.0 in Windows 11 for this purpose.

I digitize the records at 24/96K and use the Noise Reduction and Click & Crackle Removal tools most, to clean-up the recording. I have a batch file that I use to clean-up the recording that; gets rid of any low frequency noise, DC offset, uses the tools mentioned above, and also normalizes the resulting file. Sometimes I also edit the file manually to remove things that the tools don't catch. When done cleaning up the recording, I create named regions which I export as FLAC files and MP3 files using Scripts I wrote. Occasionally, I apply filters and even use Spectrum analysis to analyze something. If you're doing this, you'll understand what I'm saying.

Sometimes I use Sony CD Architect 5.2 to burn a CD of the final preserved recording. I have a batch file that gets the file CD ready (Resample & Bit Depth). I know that Sound Forge Pro 10 has this capability, I have just never used it, since I have CD Architect.

Everything seems to be working fine for me in Windows 11.

I am curious if Sound Forge Pro 18 would offer any improvement or better tools based on what I'm doing?

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Regards,
Paul

 

Comments

rraud wrote on 3/2/2025, 10:36 AM

Hi @paul-t4618aulieT, Sound Forge Pro 18 is 'basically' the same as SFP-10 aside from the modal plug-in chainer and record UI. SFP-18 includes the Noise Reduction Pack (aka, NR 2.0) and iZotope's RX Elements, which basically has the same tools as NR 2.0, RX may be a little better and easier with the auto mode than NR-2.. but 'better' subjective.. I use both, many times for what they are not intended for, like smoothing a vocal line. The SF Pro 18 Suite includes Steinberg's SpectraLayers Pro (SLP) which was a game changer for me and IMO worth the upgrade price alone. Though there is a rather steep learning curve if you need to edit the spectral-graph manually which works well when all other automatic NR tools fail.
iZ's RX Advanced works great as well but way too expensive for most hobbyists.
btw, if you wish to digitize at a high sample rate for CDs, 88.2k is more efficient then 96k when down sampling to 44.1k for audio CDs.

paul-t4618aulieT wrote on 3/2/2025, 1:10 PM

Hi rraud,

Thanks for your comments.

I typically use 96K because I want hi-res for digital playback, I guess 88.2K is also hi-res. And, the files would even be a little smaller.

Regards,
Paul