Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026 v2026.0.0.71: Professional Audio Editing, Restoration, and Mastering Software

Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026 v2026.0.0.71 is a professional audio-editing solution designed for recording, waveform editing, sound restoration, mastering, batch processing, and creative audio production on Windows computers.

The software provides precise control over individual audio files, allowing musicians, podcast producers, sound designers, broadcasters, video editors, and mastering engineers to repair recordings, apply effects, adjust levels, convert formats, and prepare polished audio for distribution.

Sound Forge is now offered under Boris FX following the company’s acquisition of Sound Forge, VEGAS Pro, and ACID Pro in March 2026. The current product family is available in standard and Plus editions, with Sound Forge Plus adding an expanded collection of professional audio-processing tools.

What Is Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026?

Sound Forge Plus 2026 is a specialized audio editor focused primarily on detailed waveform editing and single-file audio processing.

Unlike a traditional digital audio workstation, it is not intended mainly for arranging large multitrack music projects. Instead, it provides tools for working deeply with individual mono, stereo, and supported multichannel audio files.

Users can zoom into a waveform, select extremely small sections, remove unwanted sounds, repair clicks, adjust individual samples, apply effects, normalize volume, and export the finished result in a suitable audio format.

The application can be used for:

Recording voice, music, and external audio sources
Editing podcasts and interviews
Cleaning noisy dialogue
Restoring archived recordings
Preparing audio for video production
Creating sound effects
Mastering songs and mixes
Converting large collections of audio files
Editing loops and samples
Producing broadcast-ready material
Removing clicks, hiss, hum, and unwanted sections

Main Features of Sound Forge Plus 2026 v2026.0.0.71

Precise Waveform Editing

Sound Forge provides a detailed waveform editor that allows users to work with audio at sample-level accuracy.

Common editing operations include:

Cutting audio
Copying selected sections
Pasting audio
Deleting unwanted material
Trimming silence
Moving selections
Mixing audio into another file
Fading audio in or out
Reversing selected sections
Muting specific regions
Inserting silence
Adjusting individual samples

Its editing workflow is similar to working with text in a document. Users can highlight a section and then cut, copy, paste, replace, or remove it using familiar commands. Boris FX describes this as editing audio in a way comparable to rearranging words in a text document.

Sample-Level Accuracy

The software allows users to zoom deeply into an audio waveform and make highly accurate selections.

This precision is useful when:

Removing short clicks
Repairing waveform errors
Creating seamless loops
Correcting inaccurate edits
Aligning transient sounds
Cleaning recording starts and endings
Adjusting zero-crossing points
Removing individual pops or digital glitches

Sample-level editing gives users more control than many general-purpose music-production applications.

Professional Audio Recording

Sound Forge can record audio from microphones, mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and other compatible input devices.

It supports both manual recording and automatic recording modes. Automatic recording can be configured to begin when an incoming signal reaches a selected level, making it useful for unattended recording tasks.

Possible recording applications include:

Voice-over sessions
Interviews
Instrument recordings
Vinyl transfers
Cassette archiving
Podcast production
Radio material
Sound-effects capture
Lecture recording
External mixer output

For lower latency and more reliable professional recording, an audio interface with an appropriate ASIO driver is recommended.

WaveColor Visualization

WaveColor provides an enhanced visual representation of audio material.

Instead of displaying every part of a waveform in exactly the same way, the feature uses additional visual information to help users understand the frequency characteristics of different sections.

This can make it easier to identify:

High-frequency noise
Low-frequency rumble
Vocal passages
Percussive transients
Silent or quiet sections
Changes in tonal content
Problematic frequencies

WaveColor can improve navigation when working with long recordings by helping users recognize different types of content visually.

Noise Reduction and Audio Restoration

Sound Forge includes tools for repairing recordings affected by common audio problems.

Depending on the selected edition and included processing tools, users can reduce or remove:

Background hiss
Electrical hum
Constant environmental noise
Clicks
Pops
Crackle
Clipped peaks
Unwanted silence
Low-frequency rumble
Sudden volume variations

These restoration capabilities are useful for cleaning dialogue recorded in uncontrolled environments and for restoring older material transferred from tapes, vinyl records, or other analog sources.

Boris FX presents noise reduction as one of the principal capabilities of the current Sound Forge product family.

DeHisser

The DeHisser tool is designed to reduce continuous high-frequency hiss.

Hiss frequently appears in:

Cassette recordings
Analog tape transfers
Low-quality microphone recordings
Old voice recordings
Archival material
Audio recorded with noisy preamplifiers

Users can adjust processing parameters to reduce the unwanted noise while preserving as much useful audio detail as possible.

Excessive noise reduction may make audio sound artificial, so adjustments should be monitored carefully with suitable headphones or studio speakers.

Click and Pop Removal

Short clicks and pops can occur in vinyl recordings, damaged digital files, microphone connections, or recordings affected by electrical interference.

Sound Forge allows users to locate these problems visually and repair them using manual or automated tools.

For isolated problems, sample-level editing can provide highly accurate correction. For recordings containing many repeated clicks, dedicated restoration processing can save considerable time.

Clipped Audio Repair

Audio clipping occurs when a recording exceeds the maximum available digital level. This creates flattened waveform peaks and can produce audible distortion.

Restoration tools can attempt to reconstruct damaged peaks and reduce the harshness caused by clipping.

The quality of the result depends on the severity of the damage. Mild clipping can often be improved, while heavily distorted recordings may not be fully recoverable.

Audio Mastering

Sound Forge Plus can be used to prepare finished audio for publishing and distribution.

Mastering tasks may include:

Adjusting overall loudness
Controlling dynamic range
Applying equalization
Enhancing stereo balance
Limiting peaks
Normalizing levels
Removing unnecessary silence
Adding final fades
Converting sample rates
Changing bit depth
Applying dithering
Preparing metadata
Exporting final master files

The software is suitable for mastering individual songs, podcast episodes, voice-over projects, sound effects, and audio intended for video.

Loudness and Level Control

Consistent volume is essential for podcasts, broadcast audio, streaming content, and video production.

Sound Forge includes tools that can analyze and modify amplitude levels. Users can normalize recordings, adjust gain, compress dynamic range, or limit sudden peaks.

Normalization can increase or decrease a file so that its highest peak or measured loudness reaches a selected target.

Compression reduces the difference between quiet and loud sections, while limiting prevents peaks from exceeding a defined level.

These processes should be applied carefully to avoid introducing distortion or making the recording sound overly compressed.

Batch Converter

The Batch Converter can process multiple files automatically.

Instead of opening and editing every file manually, users can create a processing sequence and apply it to an entire folder or selected group of files.

Batch tasks may include:

Converting file formats
Changing sample rates
Changing bit depth
Normalizing volume
Applying effects
Renaming files
Adding metadata
Preparing files for a specific platform
Creating compressed copies
Exporting archival versions

Boris FX highlights batch conversion as a way to apply effects and process multiple files without repeating the same operation manually.

Background Rendering

Sound Forge can perform certain rendering operations in the background.

This means users may continue editing or preparing other material while the program processes a task. Background rendering can improve productivity when exporting large recordings or converting many files.

Actual performance depends on the processor, storage speed, available memory, selected effects, and source-file resolution.

VST Plugin Support

The software supports compatible VST audio-effect plugins.

VST support allows users to expand Sound Forge with third-party tools such as:

Equalizers
Compressors
Limiters
Reverbs
Delays
Noise-reduction plugins
Saturation processors
Stereo-imaging tools
Pitch processors
Guitar effects
Mastering suites

Plugin folders may need to be added manually in the application preferences before scanning for installed effects.

Compatibility depends on the plugin format, architecture, and current Sound Forge version. Modern 64-bit editions generally require compatible 64-bit plugins.

Expanded Sound Forge Plus Tools

Sound Forge Plus is positioned above the standard edition and includes additional creative and audio-processing capabilities.

The expanded package may include tools intended for:

Vocal pitch correction
Guitar and amplifier-style processing
Advanced reverberation
Additional sound effects
Creative audio treatment
Enhanced mixing and mastering workflows

The exact included plugins may vary according to the subscription, region, licensing package, or future product updates. Boris FX currently offers Sound Forge and Sound Forge Plus as separate purchasing tiers.

Pitch Correction

Pitch-correction tools can help adjust vocal or instrument notes that are slightly out of tune.

They may be used for:

Correcting vocal recordings
Adjusting individual notes
Creating tuned harmonies
Applying obvious robotic vocal effects
Repairing instrumental pitch problems
Experimenting with creative pitch manipulation

Natural-sounding correction normally requires moderate settings. Strong processing can produce a clearly artificial effect, which may be desirable for certain musical styles.

Guitar and Amplifier Effects

Sound Forge Plus may include additional processing designed for guitars and other instruments.

Amplifier and cabinet-style effects can simulate different recording setups without requiring physical amplifiers, microphones, or rooms.

These tools may also be applied creatively to vocals, drums, sound effects, and synthesizers.

Advanced Reverb Processing

Reverb creates the impression that audio was recorded in a physical space.

Different settings can simulate:

Small rooms
Studios
Large halls
Chambers
Plates
Concert venues
Artificial environments
Long atmospheric spaces

Reverb can add depth and realism, but excessive processing may reduce clarity. Dialogue restoration usually requires subtle settings, while music and sound design may use more dramatic effects.

Audio Format Conversion

Sound Forge supports importing and exporting a range of common professional and consumer audio formats.

Depending on installed components and licensing support, users may work with formats such as:

WAV
MP3
FLAC
AAC
AIFF
WMA
OGG
Raw audio
Other supported media formats

Users can select parameters such as:

Sample rate
Bit depth
Channel configuration
Encoding quality
Bitrate
Metadata
Output destination

WAV and FLAC are generally suitable for high-quality storage, while MP3 and AAC provide smaller files for online distribution.

Sample-Rate Conversion

Sample-rate conversion allows users to change the number of audio samples stored per second.

Common sample rates include:

44.1 kHz for music distribution
48 kHz for video and broadcast workflows
88.2 kHz for high-resolution music production
96 kHz for professional recording
Higher rates for specialized workflows

Converting between sample rates should use high-quality processing to minimize unwanted artifacts.

Bit-Depth Conversion and Dithering

Bit depth affects the available dynamic range and precision of digital audio.

Common settings include:

16-bit for standard consumer distribution
24-bit for professional recording and production
32-bit floating point for editing and internal processing

When reducing bit depth, dithering can add a carefully controlled amount of noise to reduce quantization distortion.

Dithering should normally be applied only during the final conversion to a lower bit depth.

Spectral Analysis

Frequency-analysis tools help users examine the tonal content of a recording.

A spectrum display can reveal:

Low-frequency rumble
Electrical hum
High-frequency hiss
Resonant frequencies
Excessive bass
Harsh treble
Missing frequency content
Unwanted mechanical noise

Spectral analysis is useful for restoration, mastering, sound design, and troubleshooting recordings.

Markers and Regions

Markers allow users to identify important positions inside an audio file.

Regions identify complete time ranges rather than single points.

They can be used to mark:

Song sections
Dialogue takes
Editing errors
Chapter points
Sound effects
Loop boundaries
Commercial breaks
Export sections
Recording mistakes

Markers and regions make long recordings easier to navigate and can support automated export workflows.

Loop Creation

Sound Forge can be used to create and edit audio loops for music production, games, sample libraries, and interactive media.

Loop editing may involve:

Selecting exact start and end points
Matching zero crossings
Creating crossfades
Adjusting timing
Removing clicks at boundaries
Previewing repeated playback
Editing embedded loop information

Accurate loop points help ensure that repeated audio plays smoothly without noticeable interruptions.

Video Audio Editing

Sound Forge can support workflows involving the audio portion of video material.

Video editors may use it to:

Clean dialogue
Remove noise
prepare voice-over tracks
Master a final soundtrack
Edit sound effects
Correct volume levels
Repair clipped audio
Convert audio formats
Prepare replacement audio

Sound Forge is not primarily a full video-editing application, but it can operate as a specialized companion to software such as VEGAS Pro and other nonlinear editors.

Integration with Other Production Software

Sound Forge can work alongside digital audio workstations and video-editing programs.

A common workflow may involve:

Recording or arranging a multitrack project in a DAW.
Exporting the mix as a high-quality audio file.
Opening the file in Sound Forge.
Performing detailed cleanup and mastering.
Exporting the finished master.
Returning the audio to the video or music project.

Boris FX states that Sound Forge is intentionally designed as a specialist single-file editor rather than a traditional multitrack DAW.

Customizable Interface

The application provides an interface designed around waveform editing, meters, processing tools, and file management.

Users can customize aspects of the workspace by:

Resizing windows
Docking panels
Adjusting waveform display
Changing zoom levels
Selecting time-display formats
Configuring keyboard shortcuts
Organizing frequently used tools
Managing plugin folders
Choosing audio-device settings

Custom shortcuts can significantly speed up repetitive editing tasks.

Who Should Use Sound Forge Plus 2026?

The software is suitable for:

Audio editors
Mastering engineers
Podcast producers
Voice-over artists
Sound designers
Musicians
Radio producers
Video editors
Dialogue editors
Content creators
Archivists
Computer-based recording studios
Audio-restoration specialists
Game-audio developers

It is especially useful for users who need accurate control over individual audio files rather than complete multitrack arrangements.

Advantages

Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026 offers several advantages:

Highly precise waveform editing
Sample-level control
Professional audio-recording tools
Noise-reduction and restoration features
Batch file conversion
Background rendering
VST plugin support
Mastering and loudness tools
WaveColor audio visualization
Pitch-correction capabilities in the Plus edition
Additional creative effects
Support for numerous audio formats
Useful markers and regions
Accurate loop editing
Suitable for podcasts, music, broadcast, and video
Logical editing workflow
Integration with other audio and video applications

Disadvantages

The software also has some limitations:

It is available only for Windows.
It is not a full multitrack digital audio workstation.
The Plus edition requires a paid license or subscription.
Advanced restoration requires experience and careful monitoring.
Some plugins may require separate activation.
Older 32-bit plugins may not be compatible.
Large high-resolution files can require significant processing time.
Heavy effect chains may increase memory and processor usage.
New users may need time to understand mastering terminology.
Excessive noise reduction can create artificial artifacts.
Pitch correction and advanced effects may be unnecessary for users who only require basic editing.

Sound Forge Plus vs Standard Sound Forge

Both editions provide professional waveform editing, recording, restoration, mastering, and batch-processing features.

The standard edition is suitable for users who mainly need:

Audio recording
Waveform editing
Noise cleanup
Mastering
Batch conversion
Format conversion
Precise single-file processing

Sound Forge Plus is more appropriate for users who also want expanded creative tools such as pitch correction, amplifier-style processing, and advanced reverb effects.

Sound Forge vs a Digital Audio Workstation

A digital audio workstation is designed for recording, arranging, mixing, and automating many tracks inside a single project.

Sound Forge is focused more heavily on detailed editing of individual audio files.

A DAW is generally better for:

Multitrack recording
MIDI composition
Music arrangement
Virtual instruments
Track automation
Complete song production

Sound Forge is generally better for:

Precise waveform repair
Single-file mastering
Destructive audio editing
Noise restoration
Batch conversion
Loop preparation
Sample editing
Podcast cleanup
Final export processing

Many professionals use Sound Forge alongside a DAW rather than treating the two programs as direct replacements.

System Requirements

The current Boris FX edition of Sound Forge is designed for Windows computers.

Typical minimum requirements include:

Microsoft Windows 11
A processor running at approximately 1.4 GHz or faster
A multicore processor recommended for demanding processing
At least 2 GB of RAM
Additional memory recommended for large projects
Approximately 1.4 GB of storage for the Plus installation
A Windows-compatible audio device
An ASIO-compatible device recommended for low-latency recording
A display resolution of at least 1024 × 768
Internet access for downloading, installation, and activation

Boris FX currently presents the trial and product as Windows-only. A fully functional 15-day trial is available through the Boris FX Hub without requiring a credit card.

For professional use, a modern multicore processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, an SSD, a quality audio interface, updated ASIO drivers, and studio headphones or monitors are recommended.

How to Edit an Audio File

A basic Sound Forge workflow may follow these steps:

Launch Sound Forge Plus.
Open the required audio file.
Play the recording and identify unwanted areas.
Create a backup copy before destructive editing.
Remove unnecessary silence or mistakes.
Apply fades at the beginning and end.
Repair clicks, pops, or clipped sections.
Reduce background noise where necessary.
Apply equalization and dynamics processing.
Adjust the overall loudness.
Preview the result using suitable headphones or speakers.
Save a high-quality master file.
Export compressed copies for online distribution.

Keeping an unedited original file is strongly recommended.

Tips for Better Results

Users can improve their Sound Forge workflow by following these practices:

Record using a suitable audio interface.
Use the correct ASIO driver.
Leave sufficient headroom during recording.
Avoid recording signals that reach digital clipping.
Keep an untouched copy of every original file.
Apply noise reduction gradually.
Compare processed audio with the original regularly.
Use high-quality headphones or studio monitors.
Avoid excessive compression and limiting.
Save professional masters in a lossless format.
Create presets for repeated processing tasks.
Use batch conversion for large collections.
Apply dithering only during final bit-depth reduction.
Scan only trusted VST plugin folders.
Test exported files before publishing them.

Is Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026 Worth Using?

Sound Forge Plus 2026 is a strong choice for professionals who need detailed waveform editing, reliable recording, restoration tools, mastering controls, and automated batch processing.

Its sample-level accuracy makes it particularly useful for repairing audio problems that may be difficult to correct inside a general-purpose video editor or music workstation.

The Plus edition is most valuable for users who need its expanded pitch, guitar-processing, reverb, and creative effects. Users focused only on basic recording, editing, and restoration may find the standard edition sufficient.

Sound Forge should not be selected as a replacement for a complete multitrack DAW. However, it is highly effective as a companion application for polishing recordings and performing precise audio repairs.

Version Information

The product name Sound Forge Plus 2026 is confirmed by the current Boris FX product page. However, the specific internal build number 2026.0.0.71 is not separately described in the publicly available Boris FX release information reviewed for this article.

This build may contain minor installer, compatibility, licensing, or stability changes. Users should consult the Boris FX Hub or official release information included with their licensed installer for exact patch-level details.

Conclusion

Boris FX Sound Forge Plus 2026 v2026.0.0.71 is a comprehensive professional audio editor for recording, restoration, mastering, waveform repair, format conversion, and batch processing.

Its precise editing environment, sample-level control, WaveColor visualization, noise-reduction tools, VST compatibility, mastering features, and expanded Plus effects make it suitable for music production, podcast editing, dialogue cleanup, broadcast work, sound design, and video post-production.

Although it does not replace a full multitrack digital audio workstation, Sound Forge remains a valuable specialist tool for users who need speed, accuracy, and deep control over individual audio files.