Customer Reviews

Mastering Digital Audio Production: The Professional Music Workflow with Mac OS X

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very smart, yet very un-nerdy treatment of otherwise very technical subjects...The author has a wonderful, down-to-earth writing style. And he's funny, too. It's like having a cool friend sitting next to you explaining it all.

It's an exceptional book, I'm learning a lot from it, and I'm not even a Mac guy. And the book is a lot of bang for the buck....it's almost 600 pages, and the text is smallish (but still readable), so it's as much info as most 800 page books, and all golden.

The author does a podcast too, which is weekly (or so) companion the book. [...]

MWD

I've been using this book for a couple of weeks now and it's totally got me excited about doing music on my computer again. I know a bit about some of the programs covered in the book (Logic, Reason, Garageband) already, but it gave me more of an idea of how to use those programs more effectively. It also gave me the opportunity to learn about other programs I have been wanting to use. Plus there's just a ton of information about the different software and plugins that are available, some really cool stuff (especially the free stuff). There's also sections that provide "real world scenarios" that I found immensely helpful. These sections gave me ideas of how to use the tools in new ways. The DVD that comes with the book has some great stuff too, freeware, loops, plugins, etc. Super cool.

Overall it has a wealth of information that is relevant to beginners as well as people like me who already have some knowledge of Mac music production. The book is laid out really well and the writing is engaging and well thought out. I can't say enough good stuff about it. I'm sure I will go back to it frequently. Good stuff!

This is just an amazing book. I'm still kind of in shock that it even exists. I've been a life long musician, but have never taken the plunge into digital audio. It just seemed like such a big, scary world. Well, it was until I found this book. I don't know how much it would benefit others, but to me, it was a total godsend. I now feel really familiar and comfortable with the entire WORLD of digital audio, not just one program. I now understand plugin formats, virtual instruments, and I also know all sorts of great secrets on where to get them for free, and which freebies are especially awesome. I would have paid triple the price for the knowledge in this book. Thanks to the author for this awesome and needful book.
Speaking of the author, he does a really fine job here. Yes, there are some things I feel were left out, but there's bound to be some stuff missing in a book that undertakes such a massive task, as this one does. Even though I'm not an expert, I feel so much more educated as to why I would want to use Logic vs. Reason vs. Ableton Live vs. Garageband (I've never been interested in Pro Tools, although it's also covered in the book).
Also, to any potential Windows users, this book can also be really beneficial for you as well. You won't have Garageband or Logic, but other than those two chapters (and a little bit of info about customizing the Mac for digital audio production), all this stuff applies to you as well. I'm a recent convert to the Mac platform, and I can use this info on either platform. I also plan on purchasing this book as a gift for some friends of mine on Windows.
This review is just too long, and I apologize. But I'm just so happy with it. Remember that it doesn't get deep. At all. In any regards. But it's just what I needed: a huge, sweeping overview of the entire digital audio world. Thanks again to the author for such a gem!

If your interested in getting into audio production with your Mac, this is a great start. The companion DVD comes with everyting you need to get introduced to digital audio. If can't wrap your head around this book, then I wouldn't waste money on a digital interface (Pro Tools, Motu, M-Audio). I like how it's laid out, good information. Cheers!

Lots of general and introductory information about a wide range of programs and equipment for music production with Mac OS. Coverage is very broad--won't make you an expert at any one element or program.

So the book covers Reason 3, Logic 7.2, Pro Tools (no mention of the Digi 003), Rax, most of it is out of date already - hard to keep up in book form with stuff that changes so rapidly, but not really useful if you use Reason 4, Logic 8, Pro Tools 7.4 etc. I would not recommend it and as a matter of fact I am returning it.

Recently I've seen some digital tutorial and books that make me thinking on a precipitated release. Sure this is not the case.

Ignacio.