Build Your Own PC Recording Studio

Rating:
Summary: One of the best introductions to home recording
Review: This is a great book for the absolute beginner to the world of music recording on a PC. The only prerequisite is a basic understanding of how to operate a computer. The style is clear and direct - and with an appreciated dose of humility and humour. The reader gains confidence in building/modifying a PC so that it can successfully satisfy the demands of music recording software. Then the reader is guided through the selection of the audio-specific hardware and software required. The recording, editing and mixing of a multitrack song are then very clearly and thoroughly taught. Finally, the reader is shown how to create their first CD and, if they wish, how to publish it to the internet in the form of mp3 files.

Criticism might be leveled at the author because he is using a particular combination of hardware and software throughout the text (Steingberg's Cubase SX, Tascam's US-428 and Edirol's PCR-50). In my view, however, this is a sensible approach because the beginner faces an overwhelming number of possible combinations of gear (many of which may not work together!). Afterall, the world of PC audio recording has two major obstacles: the software and the hardware. This book saves you much time by giving you a working hardware setup which allows you to move directly to mastering the software. By using a setup that is tried, tested and true, you get results quickly and painlessly. In this sense, the author is doing the reader a huge favour. Renting this gear from your local music store won't break the bank and will allow you to gain some well-guided experience. After a couple of months, you'll be ready to decide on what gear configurations you want to actually purchase and (perhaps more to the point) you will have gotten a complete overview of how things work. In fact, you may have recorded and produced your first CD!

Well written, up to date and sorely needed. Highly recommended.