Best pro tools books

Basic concepts are covered, but not in an exhaustive way — for instance, it never tells you how to create or record-enable a track, or that you need to do this in order to record audio — and they're interspersed apparently at random with discussions of much more advanced features and techniques.

There is extensive information on the finer details of track counts and voice allocation in Mix and HD systems, but nothing whatsoever about the restrictions of LE rigs. Similar niggles undermine the usefulness of the following chapters, which cover editing, mixing, and plug-in use within Pro Tools.

In each case there are some genuinely handy tips, but also some fairly egregious omissions no mention, for instance, of the fact that RTAS plug-ins can't be used on aux tracks in TDM systems, or that LE versions don't include Beat Detective , and no obvious rhyme or reason to the ordering.

It won't be thorough or patient enough for beginners, but nor does it always go into the sort of detail that might benefit an advanced user. Collins's recording and mixing examples often make reference to a project of his own, but this hasn't been included on a CD-ROM, which makes the examples less helpful. There are nice touches such as the use of full colour screen shots throughout, but overall, it's a pretty frustrating read — it's clear that Mike Collins does have worthwhile experience and information to pass on, but it's a shame that he didn't organise it more effectively, or bother to find out about Windows machines and LE systems.

Most Pro Tools users will pick up some useful tips here, but a fair few gaps would need to be filled to turn it into a coherent or thorough guide to the program. However, it's also the most dated-looking, thanks to the use of version 5 Mac OS 9 screen shots throughout. Although there are occasional mentions of Pro Tools 6, Valenzuela doesn't discuss OS X or the new features in version 6, and still includes material on OMS that's only relevant to legacy versions of Pro Tools.

The overall approach is similar to Collins's book, beginning with the various hardware elements of the Pro Tools system before going on to describe the software. It's certainly more organised and more consistent in its level, but is less concerned with how the program is used in actual recording situations, and instead takes us on a systematic and rather painstaking walk through Pro Tools ' functions and menu structure.

For all that it claims to contain "Beginner and advanced practical applications", the bulk of it is pitched squarely at those who've never used a DAW before although you'd hope that even a novice wouldn't really need an entire paragraph explaining the operation of the Quit command, complete with screen shot. Books are great for supplemental learning as well as getting your foot in the door. Ultimately it is on you to learn but you can take a book around with you anywhere you go and you can use it as a reference.

Reading is succeeding, so check out the best book on Pro Tools according to Protoolstutorial. Check out our picks for the best audio engineering books too. Pros: Easy to read Color Photos for visual learners Each chapter is detailed and the book is laid out logically Teaches evolution of Pro Tools, basic digital audio concepts, and software fundamentals Review and discussion questions at the end of each section Cons May seem to wander all over the place for some Check the Price on Amazon.

Pro Tools Background Chapter 2. Getting Started with Pro Tools Chapter 3. Pro Tools Basic Controls Chapter 4. Creating Your First Session Chapter 5. Importing and Working with Media Chapter 7. Selecting and Navigating Chapter 9. Editing Your Media Chapter Mixing and Creating a Bounce. Hands-On Music Session Project 2. Frank D. Cook is a musician and longtime Pro Tools user.

He has worked in publishing and education for almost 25 years and has authored numerous publications, including seven different titles on Pro Tools.