SONAR 2 Power!

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Summary: Computer music
Review: I make music on my computer and find Scott's books help cut to the chase when it comes to learning the ins and outs of using software. Sonar or SoundForge he steps you through the process with tips along the way to guide you.

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Summary: Everything you ever wanted to know about Cakewalk's Sonar!
Review: I review this book as one who does not own this particular piece of software, but as a prospective Sonar user. I wanted to do a little research to see if Sonar was the way I wanted to go, and I found this book extremely informative. It makes what might be a scary program for the novice very approachable and user-friendly. If I do wind up purchasing Sonar, it's unlikely I'll even need to read the manual with this excellent resource available to me. Outstanding!!

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Summary: Comprehensive guide to features, but little else
Review: I'm using Home Studio 2002 XL, which as one of the reviewers pointed out is basically just a cut down version of Sonar 2. I had hoped that this book would help me to really learn how to use the advanced features of Home Studio/Sonar, but I was disappointed to find little advice on technique in the book.

It's a very comprehensive overview of the features of the program, but apart from a few small features I'd overlooked there was very little that I hadn't managed to already learn from the included help files (which are pretty good) or previous experience with Sequencers and using MIDI.

In particular I was interested in more information on how best to arrange and mix songs, in particular using aux-buses, but I found that less time was spent on this topic than on explaining the different effects (in more detail than I thought necessary).

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh, and perhaps I'm looking for a different kind of book. I work with computers for a living, so I'm used to finding my way around new software - I guess if you aren't then this is probably a good tour of what the software can do.

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Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I've read dozens of manuals and this one is one of the very best. It provides simple, step-by-step instructions on how to use each critical feature--including more advanced macro programming--within Cakewalk Sonar.

What I liked most about the book was the very hands-on approach and practical exercises that give you the opportunity to walk through a typical user scenario and apply your new found knowledge.

Again, a well-written and very thorough book. It's absolutely worth the price. Scott Garrigus, well done!

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Summary: the best Sonar book
Review: Indispensible guide to get the most out of Sonar 2. I have definitely improved the quality of my Sonar output as a result of this book.

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Summary: A Must-have for Sonar 2 Users
Review: Indispensible guide to get the most out of Sonar 2. I have definitely improved the quality of my Sonar output as a result of this book.

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Summary: the best Sonar book
Review: Scott is the reigning Sonar guru, and this book is a great value for the price. There's plenty of content, and it's all clear, concise and useful. Sonar's help system and manual are already good, but a little dry ... so Scott adds value by clarifying some issues, and by offering a different, user-friendly perspective. To Scott's credit, he does far more than simply regurgitate Sonar's help system.

There are at least two other Sonar books on the market. The first is by Craig Anderton, who is a very knowledgeable and respected writer on home recording technology. His Sonar book is intended as a quick start, whereas Scott's book has much more content. The other book is by two guys named Petelin, and I wouldn't wish that sloppy, amateurish book on my worst enemy.

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Summary: A must for any Sonar user!
Review: Sonar 2 Power! is an excellent book. It is, by far, the best book available on Sonar, and a must have for anyone who uses Sonar. I have found it was great for intitially getting up to speed on the software. And now that I know the software much better, it is still full of tons of helpful information. Sonar 2 Power! lets you quickly dive right into those features you are interested in. Best of all, the author, Scott Garrigus, is able to make learning quick and enjoyable. It is clear that Scott has a great deal of enthusiasm for making music using his computer and Sonar; he does a very good job of getting this enthusiasm across, which makes the book all the more enjoyable to read. The author has a Website...for his readers.

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Summary: Great book!
Review: Sonar 2.0 is such a complicated program. I haven't even messed with many of the features, including MIDI, but have gotten quite good at audio editing. This book made a huge difference. I found it much clearer and easier to follow than the online help or manual that came with Sonar. Highly recommended!

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Summary: Good for Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 Users as well!
Review: This is a good book for Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 (and XL) users as well, because Home Studio 2004 is basically the same as Sonar 2 with a few missing features that Home Studio 2004.

I did a comparison of it to my recently acquired 2004 XL upgrade and other than the synchronization function, a couple of UI changes (Snap to Grid button changed locations), and a few effects that Home Studio XL doesn't give you, everything works identical to the Sonar 2 version in the book.

I haven't read the Cakewalk Power Book, but I did notice it looked thinner on the shelves than Sonar 2, and chose to buy Sonar 2 because I thought it was more comprehensive. I've been very happy about the purchase and what I've learned about Home Recording.