Real World Digital Audio was a bit of surprise and somewhat of a disappointment, but I think the reason I was disappointed was my own fault. I thought Real World Digital Audio would be about digital audio technologies like how to covert cassette tapes to MP3, LPs and the like as well as dealing with the most standard audio filters that you find in most audio editing programs. But, instead it is geared more towards the band member, composer or DJ that wants to work with audio from those kinds sources. It does go in to some of the filters but the vast majority of the book is designed for those I indicated above.
So setting my disappointment aside I started reading. If you are in a band or you’re a DJ or you’re a music composer and you are looking for the right book to help you get the most from your equipment and software I think is a great book. It covers a lot of ground, it is easy to read and if you are familiar with even the basics of digital audio it is easy to understand.
This is a black and white book with a modest amount of screen shots and sample images. It is a lot of text but this is a complex topic and a technical one at that so I am not surprised there isn't more screen and sample shots. There are lots of tips spread throughout the book and whenever appropriate there are cross-references to other sections of book that one should read after reading the current section. For example on page 187 it is talking about digital recording, setting levels and headroom. There are cross-references for chapters 3-4 on connecting and configuring your equipment, chapter 7 which talks about adding signal processing to sweeten the sound and chapter 10 covers mixing sources together and more. I like the cross-referencing I think it makes it easier to get the full picture of the topic your reading and it keeps any one section from becoming too bogged down and technical.
There are Hands-On sections throughout the book that provide basic step-by-step workflows that should apply to almost any audio editing program you choose to use. These are good, they help you get a hands on feel for the material your reading about and it does so while holding your hand a bit.
Chapters:
Chapter 1: Understanding Digital Sound
Chapter 2: Choosing Your Tools
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Equipment
Chapter 4: Preparing Your Computer for Audio
Chapter 5: Quick Songs with Patterns and Loops
Chapter 6: Recording Instruments and Sound
Chapter 7: Processing and Effects
Chapter 8: MIDI: Notes, Rhythms, and Physical Control
Chapter 9: Synthesis and Software Instruments
Chapter 10: Put It Together: Arrange, Mix, and Master
Chapter 11: Producing Printed Scores
Chapter 12: Music and Sound for Video
Chapter 13: Playing Live
This is a very thorough book perfect for any band, DJ or composer. While some of the stuff applies to other audio uses like sound tracks for video and the like it is mostly for those that want to create, mix and master their own music using real live sources. If that is your thing this book maybe just what the guru ordered!
