Choosing and Using Audio and Music Software: A Guide to the Major Software Applications for Mac and PC [Paperback]

"More than a simple list of features, this title provides an in-depth look at dozens of popular software selections ranging from Digidesign Pro Tools and Emagic Logic to Sony Sound Forge and BIAS Peak. If you need to get up to speed on a new application in a hurry, this book is a must read." - Remix "a great 512-page read and I recommend it highly for anyone interested in getting to know any of these programs first before investing the necessary money and time it takes to get musically productive with them." - www.barryrudolph.com "Professional studio engineers are now expected to know all of the popular audio and MIDI software packages. This book is the ideal reference to turn to in times of need in the studio. The first couple of chapters provide a superb overview of the way this crazy world of recording software came about. The rest of the book covers a wealth of information about the range of applications that you are likely to come across in the studio. This is just what the doctor ordered when you need to get up to speed quickly. The appendix on transferring projects between applications alone will make me buy this book!" John Leckie, Producer (Radiohead, Simple Minds, Baaba Maal, Dr John) "Three months ago I made some major changes in my home studio set-up, involving some serious shopping preceded by weeks of head-scratching and chin-stroking. If only this book had been available then, it would have saved me hundreds of phone calls and loads of angst and definitely resulted in a more informed choice! "Mike Collins has produced another fine volume. Comprehensive, thoroughly researched and well written, it will be invaluable not only to those just starting out in music recording and those considering a change or an up-grade, but to anyone wishing to be more familiar with what's out there! Mac v. PC, Cubase v. Logic, ditch the tape, keep the tape...? This book will help. Dead useful!" Chris 'Snake' Davis, Sax & Flute Player (Snake Davis Band, M-People) "Mike's style is, as always, readable and humorous, and the book is full of tips and advice which keep suggesting new possibilities. I think this book could be extremely useful to the professional composer who is easily bewildered by endless choices. It could help with making more informed decisions in equipping and upgrading one's studio." Dario Marianelli, Film Composer (In This World, I Capture The Castle, The Warrior, Cheeky, Pandaemonium) "If you need to know what is going on with music software and want to see what the competition is doing without spending a fortune in time and money, then this book is for you. Mike lives and breathes this stuff and has managed to distil his vast knowledge into a book which informs, entertains and truly helps. I learnt a lot when reviewing this book and I wasn't even trying. Mike Collins must be one of the most committed and able writers in his field." Alex Boyesen, AV Production Manager, Digital Broadcast, Capital Radio "If you want to get up to speed fast with Pro Tools and Cubase, this book is an invaluable reference." Hi-Fi Choice

This comprehensive reference features all the major audio software: SONAR XL; Cubase SX; Logic Audio Platinum; Digital Performer; Nuendo; Pro Tools; Peak; Spark XL; SonicWorx; Audition (Cool Edit Pro); WaveLab; and, Sound Forge. If you need advice on which systems to purchase, which are most suitable for particular projects, and on moving between platforms mid-project, this book should be your one-stop reference. Mike Collins is a trainer and consultant who has been tackling these issues for years and his expert advice will save you time and money. Each section covers a specific system, providing a handy overview of its key features and benefits, including help with setup. 'Hints' and 'Tips' appear throughout these sections, addressing issues such as how to record drum loops using a virtual drum-machine, recording basslines and keyboard pads using virtual synthesizers, and adding strings, brass or other instruments using virtual samplers. Mike then illustrates how to convert these MIDI recordings into audio tracks to mix alongside vocals, guitars and any other real instruments. The many short tutorials provide both a source of comparison and means to get up to speed fast on any given software. Mike Collins is a music technology consultant and writer who has been making music in London's recording studios variously as a MIDI programmer, session musician, recording engineer, producer and arranger since 1981. He offers freelance Pro Tools engineering, consultancy, troubleshooting and personal tuition, as well as presenting seminars and lectures on related music technology and audio recording topics. Mike has written over 500 articles for magazines such as "Macworld" (UK), "Pro Sound News Europe", "Sound on Sound" and "AudioMedia", and for "Electronic Musician" and "MIX" in the USA. Mike's wide-ranging career and experience enables him to bring excellent insight from all sides into his writing, from technical detail to creative expression. Starting out as a musician and club DJ in the 1970's, Mike moved into professional recording in the 1980's, initially as a Songwriter/Producer for EMI Records. Later he worked as a Songwriter for Chappell Music; as a Film Sound Consultant for Dolby Labs; as a Music Producer for TV recordings; and as Senior Recording Engineer and Music Technology Specialist at Yamaha's London R & D Studio. Throughout the 1990's Mike worked as a MIDI Programmer on records, films and music tours with bands such as the Shamen and film composers such as Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Arnold. Mike was Executive Consultant to Re-Pro (The Guild of Record Producers and Engineers) between 1996 and 1999 and Technical Consultant to the Music Producers Guild (MPG), contributing to the Education Group and organising and presenting Technical Seminars between 1999 and 2002. He has a BSc in Electroacoustics and an MSc in Music Information Technology. This book provides a unique, colour-illustrated source of comparison between rival systems to help you determine future purchases or upgrades. It is packed with tutorials and no-nonsense advice including help with moving your projects more easily from one system to another. It is written by an experienced specialist who has spent many hours comparing the products available - so you don't have to!