GET SMART

Sep 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Geary Yelton

           
 

PEARSON EDUCATION

Mark Ballora's Essentials of Music Technology ($39.33) provides detailed information on the basics of audio, recording equipment, and studio practices. The author touches on dozens of subjects related to producing music using modern technology, including mixing, microphones, and effects processing, as well as MIDI instruments and controllers, sampling, and soft synths. His explanations of MIDI encompass its concepts, connections, language, and applications. Ballora also discusses related issues such as acoustical perception, digital filtering, binary and hexadecimal numbers, and data storage.

Readers of all levels have something to gain from Essentials of Music Technology, though different chapters appear to be aimed at completely different audiences. For instance, “Introduction to Computers” seems to assume that you might never have used one, but later sections on digital audio include a lot of mathematical formulas and complex graphics. Consequently, the book might serve best as a general reference on audio technology rather than as an introductory textbook. Its many technical diagrams and tables reinforce its value as a reference source. Pearson Education; tel. (201) 236-7000; e-mail communications@pearsoned.com; Web www.pearsoned.com.

AMSCO PUBLICATIONS

In his book Logic Audio Workshop ($40), author Dave Bellingham explains the practical applications of Emagic's DAW as it relates to recording and editing audio. Written as a tutorial to accompany Emagic's reference manual, the book is ideal for people just starting out or anyone who wants to dig deep into Logic's audio capabilities. Lots of practical tips and tricks are presented, especially in regard to mixing and arranging. A supplementary CD-ROM contains example audio files and other materials to support the text.

Specific chapters focus on selecting audio hardware, optimal setup, and working in various Logic windows. Bellingham investigates the Digital Factory, Audio Instruments, sample editing, automation, control surfaces, and Logic's bundled effects plug-ins. He discusses concepts such as latency and provides more than 15 pages on EQ. Although the focus is on digital audio, he also devotes several pages to MIDI, including how to select an interface, synchronization issues, drivers, and CoreMIDI for the Mac. He even addresses concerns of users with Creamware Pulsar XTC, Mackie UAD-1, or TC Works PowerCore DSP boards. Logic Audio Workshop looks like a valuable resource for anyone who uses Logic at almost any level. AMSCO Publications; tel. (212) 254-2100.

OSBORNE MEDIA

Although the title might lead you to believe that it's about making music with Windows, Build Your Own PC Recording Studio ($29.99) applies equally to Macintosh users. Frequent EM author Jon Chappell begins by explaining the hardware and software that go into a computer-based studio, and then he tells you about everything you need to get started with recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and burning CDs.

Chappell details how to turn your computer into a desktop studio and suggests minimal and optimal setups. He offers advice on studio layout and acoustics and explains a computer's inner workings. He acquaints you with mics, mixers, monitors, instruments (both tangible and virtual), and MIDI and audio interfaces. He takes you on a step-by-step journey through the various stages of music production, from connecting the equipment through designing the CD packaging. Without taking sides, he even approaches the subject of whether you should use a Mac or a PC (and recommends both). Chappell wraps up with a discussion of studio maintenance and problem solving. McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; tel. (510) 549-6600; Web www.osborne.com.