Sony announced it has launched Sound Forge(R) 8 Professional Audio Editing Software, the latest version of its award-winning professional digital audio editing product. New features include the addition of CD Architect(TM) 5.2 software for professional CD mastering, with direct track export functionality from Sound Forge software for fast and efficient Red Book audio CD creation. This new upgrade also provides application scripting functionality and batch processing that permits users to automate processes for multiple file encodes; customizable keyboard commands for streamlining workflow; the addition of low-latency ASIO driver support; and VST plug-in support which expands the number of effect options users can now apply to their audio.

Sound Forge 8 software's many new powerful features and enhancements include:

- Application scripting;
- Batch converter functionality;
- Includes CD Architect 5.2 software for professional CD mastering;
- Direct file export to CD Architect software;
- VST effect support;
- ASIO driver support;
- Customizable keyboard mapping;
- Audio scrubbing; and
- Windows XP theme support.

Sound Forge 8 will be available in late February at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $495.