[.ca] Home Recording Power!, Second Edition (ISBN 1592001270)

Mac Users Beware!:
I thought - cool - this is just what I need to start up my home recording studio with my Mac. Unfortunately, author Ben Milstead has nothing relevant for the Mac user and in fact discourages potential computer buyers against the Mac. All the "hands on" uses the Windows operating system and Sonar software. Nothing for the Mac user here. If I would been aware of this beforehand, I would have not purchased the downloaded version, instead opting for a more friendly Mac book. I think the description should have mentioned the non-Mac slant. The other half of the book I can use is good, but I feel I got only half my monies worth. The old adage of "Buyer Beware" is still one of importance in the digital age. Mac users stay away from this book, as I am sure there are better alternatives for us non Windows users out there.

Not bad at all.:
This book contained many tips that would have been far to easy to learn the hard way by botching up tracks without it. Granted if you are an experienced home recording person with a couple of years under the belt, this book would probably tell you everything you already know. I am recommending this book to all fledgling home musicians with their own recording outfit and to those who are thinking about doing it. It should be known that you should have a little knowledge in the area though, it will make the text in the book easier to absorb. Thanks.

Down to earth and comprehensive.:
For any beginning or experienced home recording enthusiast. This book is, without question, the most comprehensive and easy to understand reference I have found. (I have a collection of 5 other home recording book publications by various authors.) Mr. Milstead takes the time to explain nearly every aspect of home recording from space design, to MIDI setup (including a brief tutorial), mic placement for various instruments, project management, recording/mixing, and a host of other subject areas that offer invaluable advice for those of us who are new to this field and those with professional experience who may need reminders. His subtle sense of humor and levity makes the learning process considerably more enjoyable. "Hat's off" to Mr. Milstead for writing such an effective reference. His book has a permanent place in my home studio.

An excellent guide to building your dreams at home:
As a musician, a nonconformist and a struggling optimist, I believe in the ability of musicians to craft their music independently, and I personally wish to craft my own music from home and make it sound so good that no one will be the wiser. Home Recording Power is helping me on the way to do just that Complex topics involving physics of sound, recording equipment, recording, marketing and more are covered in this book in a wonderfully comforting down-to-earth manner. I have been learning from this book immensely and am using it as my bible for building my first (and possibly more) digital home recording studio in my apartment bedroom. Perhaps the greatest thing about this book is that it takes great care to encourage the reader that ridiculous dreams like mine are actually possible! Make this book your how-to guide for buying your equipment and preparing your first recordings. Then take the knowledge you've earned from the book and run with it! I think that anyone who has a burning to transform the music in their head to music others can hear should start with this book. I haven't found one better at getting you started. (Also a plus: product recommendations for software and recording equipment! With price comparisons at time of printing and description of telling a good piece of equipment from a bad one. Emphasis on how to build a legitimate recording studio on a budget)

Excellent book for a beginner (and possibly others):
I am somewhat knowledgeable about computers but know little about creating music. When I decided to enter this world, I looked at about 5-6 books to help me. This was clearly the standout. I purchased it and it has been a huge help to me. Very sensible and great explanations. Really excellent at covering the whole gamut of issues I (as a beginner) was facing. The book would probably also be helpful to a more advanced User. Highly recommended.