Rating: 
Summary: Certain chapters becoming obsolete, but *very* well targeted
Review: (Note: I'm a home recording studio beginner. Take my review accordingly.)There are several chapters about analog tape recording which are outdated. It's not that the information is inaccurate -- my sense is that his overview on tape recording is very, very good --- but that the current cost/benefit of digital recording just overwhelms any need to know about tape. That said, those 3-5 chapters (out of about 15-20) can simply be ignored and you'll still get a good run for your money on this book. The real value in this book is the (beginner level) guide as to how to really use a mixing board, and the individual chapters for each instrument family (guitar, acoustic piano, synths, drums, drum machines) on best-practices recording techniques. The entire book is very nicely technique oriented, with appropriate backgrounders for basic theory. The "updated" chapters on digital recording and MIDI (another 2-3 chapters) are just tacked on, and not terribly valuable -- not his fault perhaps, as it was updated a couple years ago, and digital music (especially recording) technology is just changing so fast. So despite almost half the contents of the book being out of date, what remains is quite timeless -- even in the face of digital mixers and self-contained recording units like the Korg D-16 and Roland VS series. If you want to learn about how to use a mixer (as something a lot more than just a patch bay) and especially EQ, I really recommend this book. Summary of Favorites: 1) Mixing console as center of studio, 2) EQ (suggested ranges/levels for each instrument) 3) Mic placement and room acoustics (for each instrument) 4) How to design/improve your home studio room acoustics
Rating:
Summary: Certain chapters becoming obsolete, but *very* well targeted
Review: (Note: I'm a home recording studio beginner. Take my review accordingly.) There are several chapters about analog tape recording which are outdated. It's not that the information is inaccurate -- my sense is that his overview on tape recording is very, very good --- but that the current cost/benefit of digital recording just overwhelms any need to know about tape. That said, those 3-5 chapters (out of about 15-20) can simply be ignored and you'll still get a good run for your money on this book. The real value in this book is the (beginner level) guide as to how to really use a mixing board, and the individual chapters for each instrument family (guitar, acoustic piano, synths, drums, drum machines) on best-practices recording techniques. The entire book is very nicely technique oriented, with appropriate backgrounders for basic theory. The "updated" chapters on digital recording and MIDI (another 2-3 chapters) are just tacked on, and not terribly valuable -- not his fault perhaps, as it was updated a couple years ago, and digital music (especially recording) technology is just changing so fast. So despite almost half the contents of the book being out of date, what remains is quite timeless -- even in the face of digital mixers and self-contained recording units like the Korg D-16 and Roland VS series. If you want to learn about how to use a mixer (as something a lot more than just a patch bay) and especially EQ, I really recommend this book. Summary of Favorites: 1) Mixing console as center of studio, 2) EQ (suggested ranges/levels for each instrument) 3) Mic placement and room acoustics (for each instrument) 4) How to design/improve your home studio room acoustics
Rating: 
Summary: Very helpful information!
Review: A quality tech book with settings to try for your home recording. Hey, settings that work. Most writers in this arena are afraid or just don't write their personal preferences. This book gives you tons of preferences for recording the bass, guitar, drums, vocals, etc... A quality read!
Rating:
Summary: Soild, but outdated...
Review: A very good starter book for sure. In other words, if ya know little about recording or sound mechanics, pick it up, but it is definetly outdated. Its amazing how far sound recording has come in the last 15 or so years. The digital machines mentioned in here are nothing like the ones out now. Even the portastudios in here are obsolete. Generally good advice for most instruments but hey, I'm a drummer and that section needs to be revamped big time. No serious mentions of the perks of edrums in the studio, and that is a major plus in todays recording studio. Like I said earlier, if McLan decides to upgrade this book, it will be the go-to guide for beginners, but as is, it is a solid, not spectacular book.
Rating:
Summary: Soild, but outdated...
Review: A very good starter book for sure. In other words, if ya know little about recording or sound mechanics, pick it up, but it is definetly outdated. Its amazing how far sound recording has come in the last 15 or so years. The digital machines mentioned in here are nothing like the ones out now. Even the portastudios in here are obsolete. Generally good advice for most instruments but hey, I'm a drummer and that section needs to be revamped big time. No serious mentions of the perks of edrums in the studio, and that is a major plus in todays recording studio. Like I said earlier, if McLan decides to upgrade this book, it will be the go-to guide for beginners, but as is, it is a solid, not spectacular book.
Rating:
Summary: Good but Dated
Review: I already own this book. [...]You are not going to get much info on current multitracking digital recorders. This book is the second edition, circa somewhere around '96. Lots of tape info. That is about the only shortcoming. It has a wealth of info for the beginner on topics of recording techniques for instruments, breaking them down such as guitar (electric or acoustic), keyboards, bass, drums and includes vocal recording. It really helps you in setting up microphone placement, gives tips for creating the sound 'atmosphere' for the room you are recording in. Tips on proper effects use or over use and provides invaluable info on microphones. It has basically an addendum in the form of another chapter with some digital theory and info on early digital equipment but, it does not matter how good your equipment is if you don't follow the techniques and other advice for microphone setup and vocal style. It's a good book but needs updating to cover the affordable digital equipment now available for the home recording buff who is not interested in splicing tape.
Rating:
Summary: Good but Dated
Review: I already own this book. [...]You are not going to get much info on current multitracking digital recorders. This book is the second edition, circa somewhere around '96. Lots of tape info. That is about the only shortcoming. It has a wealth of info for the beginner on topics of recording techniques for instruments, breaking them down such as guitar (electric or acoustic), keyboards, bass, drums and includes vocal recording. It really helps you in setting up microphone placement, gives tips for creating the sound 'atmosphere' for the room you are recording in. Tips on proper effects use or over use and provides invaluable info on microphones. It has basically an addendum in the form of another chapter with some digital theory and info on early digital equipment but, it does not matter how good your equipment is if you don't follow the techniques and other advice for microphone setup and vocal style. It's a good book but needs updating to cover the affordable digital equipment now available for the home recording buff who is not interested in splicing tape.
Rating:
Summary: Musician's guide To Home Recording
Review: I am currently reading this book and it is a wellspring of information. It includes alot of sidebar info,which quences your thirst for any technical knowledge. I HIGHLY RECOMEND OWNING A COPY OF THIS MANUAL!
Rating:
Summary: Musician's guide To Home Recording
Review: I am currently reading this book and it is a wellspring of information. It includes alot of sidebar info,which quences your thirst for any technical knowledge. I HIGHLY RECOMEND OWNING A COPY OF THIS MANUAL!
Rating:
Summary: Great! Quite thorough and simple.
Review: I really enjoyed the book. It enabled me to build upon my knowledge of music engineering. The only problem is that I sent off for the tapes that go along with the books and my money order was returned saying that the address was closed with no forwarding address. If anyone has any info. to help me obtain these tapes pleas e-mail.
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