: Despite its professional feel, version 4.5 was criticized by some for lacking 24-bit audio support , which was only later added in version 5.0. Internet Archive The Infamous "Deepz0ne" Incident
At version 4.5, Sound Forge was still wholly owned and developed by , the innovative Madison, Wisconsin‑based company. This era is often considered the software's "golden age" by purists, who praise its speed, rock‑solid stability, and unfiltered feature set. However, the company later sold its desktop software line—Sound Forge, ACID, and Vegas—to Sony Pictures Digital , marking the beginning of a new chapter. Eventually, the software found its current home with MAGIX Software GmbH , which continues to develop and sell the Sound Forge product line today. sound forge 4.5