Cakewalk Power Book Review

(Cakewalk | Posted 2001-07-24)

These days, multi-track recording software packages are so seemingly complex that you might think it would take a rocket scientist to figure them out. I know the first time I laid eyes on all of the features in Cakewalk's Pro Audio 9 I was rather intimidated. I wondered how long it was going to take for me to learn the application well enough to actually become proficient at it. Cakewalk includes a really nice reference manual with the product, but it's really only useful as a reference. It just doesn't give you a good idea of how to go about the various tasks needed to make quality multi-track recordings utilizing all of the features of the product. Similarly, there are a handful of books on the market that cover some, but not all of the features of this amazing product.

Enter Scott Garrigus.

Scott R. Garrigus has been a guru and enthusiast of music and technology since the tender age of 12. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in music performance and a focus in sound recording technology. In so few words, he knows his stuff. Who better then, to take topics like Cakewalk's Pro Audio, Home Studio and Guitar Studio and bring them to a level that's easy to understand for anyone from a novice to experienced home recording musician?

Cakewalk POWER! is Scott's first foray into the world of professional writing. If this book is any indicator, we have years of quality information to look forward to. Cakewalk POWER! is a book that covers a myriad of Cakewalk products built around the functionality of Pro Audio 9. Not simply a reference, Cakewalk POWER! provides concise, easy to understand tutorials on how to get the most of this incredible software. At first, Cakewalk POWER! reminded me of the award winning series of books in the "Dummies" series. It was entertaining, an easy read, and had all of the indications that finally someone had published the "Cakewalk for Dummies" book that we had all been looking for. What I realized, though, was that the book was much more than that. Simply put, Cakewalk POWER! is the single most useful and informative text on the Cakewalk family of products that it covers.

Everything you can imagine is covered in this book and will appeal to pros and novices alike. The first chapter starts off with "Understanding MIDI and Digital Audio". This is an excellent primer for those folks that are just getting started and really need a foundation of basic knowledge to start building their home recording skills upon. Subsequent chapters include: "Getting Started with Pro Audio", "Customizing Pro Audio", "Working with Projects", "Getting Around in Pro Audio", "Recording and Playback", "Editing Basics", "Exploring the Editing Tools", "Effects: The Really Cool Stuff", "Mixing It Down", "Making Sheet Music" and more! There's even an entire section devoted to explaining the method behind getting the project you have been blissfully slaving over to CD. In addition, there are sections in the Appendix that take you in step by step fashion through an entire project from recording to mixdown, not to mention instruction on preparing your masterpieces for multimedia and the web.

Finally, there are major sections that are more geared towards those of you who are more experienced. Scott takes a detailed look at CAL, the Cakewalk Application Language from both an introductory and advanced perspective. Fortunately, I have a programming background, but the information is presented in such a way that even a beginner can grasp the concepts and begin to experiment by creating simple CAL programs or modifying and adjusting existing ones. Also covered in great detail is the StudioWare and Sysx functionality within Cakewalk.

The whole book is put together with tip boxes, note boxes, excellent diagrams and a multitude of screen shots so you'll never lose your place when you're moving through each chapter. Personally, I've found the book to a great read even when I'm not in front of the computer. I found that I absorbed the information best by reading through the entire book first, and then sitting down and working through the concepts in each chapter. I really feel like I know what I'm doing now and hopefully my projects are showing it!

Bottom Line:

You will not find a better book on the subject. This is a one of kind reference and tutorial that is unmatched in it's ability to present somewhat complicated concepts and procedures in an easy to understand format. For roughly $30, you get a comprehensive tool that will allow you to explore the vast features and functionality of the various Cakewalk programs that it covers. If you own or intend on purchasing Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, Home Studio or Guitar Studio, do yourself a favor and get a copy of Cakewalk POWER! to go with it. You will not be disappointed.

Scott has created a Web site exclusively for the Cakewalk Power! book. The site provides links, live chat, and a discussion area. He also publishes the DigiFreq music technology newsletter. You can learn more cool tips and techniques not included in the book and have the chance to win free music products by getting a FREE subscription to DigiFreq... surf to:

www.garrigus.com

Cakewalk Power Book Review

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