If the "very old version of SoundForge" works in 64bit Windows at all, it should work from the SONAR utilities menu. I only tested back to SoundForge 9 but it work fine. There is no requirement for programs launched from the utilities menu to be 64bit when running 64bit SONAR.

Frink
re: the background hiss/buzz etc - maybe my best bet is to keep this as low as possible and gate it at source...

I have had intermittent luck with gating (depending on what the noise source is), as it can tear into the actual audio I want to record. I have defaulted to a method where I will intentionally record a 5 second lead-in and tail of "background noise" on everything to get a very defined noise footprint sample. Some initial processing can help, but be sure; but with an adequate S/N ratio in the recording, I have found the noise-reduction algorithm to be the best solution.

There is no noise reduction tool bundled with Sonar, no.

Sound forge will launch from the utilies menu in 64 bit Sonar. The Sound forge effects will not appear as available plugins.

Thanks for your advice everyone - I will certainly test the SONAR/Sound Forge combination when I get set up.
 
As an aside, is anyone using GOLDWAVE? I tried a very early version of this once and found it to be like 'Sound Forge from a pound-shop'. However, as I'm really only utilising a small % of Sound Forge functionality, it might be time for me to go with the cheaper option anyway!
 
Does anyone know if Goldwave interfaces with SONAR? Their ads certainly seem to suggest that a noiseprint capture facility is available so it could be a cheaper solution...
 

I use reafir for this very thing. It's a vst that does the job well of subtracting noise and it's free. I have the sony noise reduction plug with SF, but seldom use it. I used to go back and forth from Sonar (I started with Sonar 3 as well) to SF numerous times during a project for cleaning up tracks. But now I never do really. I have a shortcut key assigned to open up the Gain command in X3 which I use for muting a click/pop or just general housekeeping when I don't want to add another vst/gate. I just select the portion of the track I want to clean, press cntrl-M in my case, and select mute from the drop down in the Gain command menu.
 
I still occasionally use sf to make a serious edit like replacing/duplicating a section of a clip. But I can usually swing that in X3 as well. Matter of fact, I don't think I've opened SF from the tools menu since X1 arrived. I personally just don't need to use sf like that anymore. SF is still a favorite for me to use as a mastering tool along with using it for it's great mp3 conversion. Again though, I can do all that in X3 and sometimes do.
 
With that said, one of my favorite feature requests I've sent is to have a dedicated audio editor tool as a part of sonar. Something like the old loop construction tool revamped for audio editing.
 
I think you'll really enjoy this latest version of sonar. Big step up in tools and work flow. And contrary to popular belief, the learning curve is not that bad. Lot's of the basic functions remain the same. Not all, but enough to keep you working while you learn.

I sometimes forget about Reafir.  Have they made it 64 bit yet?

Thanks Musicroom - A splendid forum reply on a number of levels!
 
I've been looking for a cheap and easy alternative for this noiseprint function and it looks like reaFIR has what I need. SF is a bit OTT if I'm only using 1 small part of its functionality (rather like employing the full London Philharmonic Orchestra to go 'bing' at the end of a song).
 
I'm looking forward to X3 - my last big leap was from ProAudio9 to SONAR 3 which I found to be a nice leap. I appreciate that 3 to X3 is a bigger leap but I'm loving the tutorials and reviews I've read and I can't wait to get going on Melodyne as I know that I sing permanently ¼ of a semitone out of key.
 
Thanks for your tip about gain shortcut. I have loads of tricks and bits and bobs that I do without thinking in SONAR 3 right now so I'm going to have to reconfigure a lot of this - particularly as (as you say) X3 can do a lot in-house - maybe there is no need for SF at all? Honestly speaking, I get almost as much pleasure from setting up a good efficient template and workflow as I do from making a great recording. A fun few months ahead...
 
late note: I also just noticed that I have an identical Ovation to the one in your avatar.
 
 
Frink.
 
 

There will still be times when a dedicated editor is still the way to go.  There are several free options.  here are a couple:
 
 
Wavosaur- Looks similar to sound forge if that is what you are used to and has a much simpler set of features.  Comes in 32 and 64 bit http://www.wavosaur.com/
 
Audacity- Kind of ugly and not the most intuitive software but free and has a decent noise reduction feature. It is still 32-bit http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
 
 

btw, if you already have soundforge, i see no benefit of adding another editor.