Product ReviewsS. M. A. R. T. Guide Ser.: The S. M. A. R. T. Guide to Recording Great Audio Tracks in a Small Studio : Book and DVD by Bill Gibson (2011, Trade Paperback)

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

This is one of the best books about audio recording that I have ever read. I've been involved with music since I was ten years old. And a fondness for recording came along around that time as well. I am now thirty-nine years young and I love music and recording, just as much now, as I did then. So, you could say that I've been around the block a few times. I perceived myself as very knowledgeable on these topics. I bought this book with the approach of: "Well, maybe I can learn just one new thing." And friend, let me tell you, I have learned more about room acoustics, the way sound waves bounce around the room, the importance of the room treatment designs, and the proper volume level to use when monitoring your audio mix. And that was just a glimpse of the first chapter. "Hold on to your headphones!"

Chapter's 2-6 teach you about recording great guitar (electric and acoustic),bass guitar, and drum tracks. I never new there were so many different micing techniques. From mic choices to mic placement to different tracking tips and tricks, Also in this chapter, you will learn about a plethora of effects processing. From outboard units to computer software plug-ins, you will be able to weigh the pros’ and con's and make better choices for yourself and your project. And again, we only scratched the surface of these chapter's.

"Repairing a problem plosive." I thought I knew what this meant. Chapter 6 is about recording great vocal tracks. Understanding the human voice has never been so exciting. This is one of my favorite parts of the book. Why, you ask ? Because Bill Gibson taught me, "When and how to make suggestions" to the artist's, musicians, and anyone that I am working with in the studio. We all know that things can get very tense, at times.

The next chapter is called "Recording Great Piano and Rhodes Track" I could go on all night about this book and still not give away all that is in this book. It also comes with a demonstration DVD that is useful for reference, but seems a little redundant If you read the book first. This is a must have for anyone that loves the art of recording and music for that matter. I have learned way more than I anticipated. My next book will have to be The SMART Guide to Mixing and Mastering. So, to sum this up, Buy this book because, you can teach an old dog, new tricks.

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