Hey what’s good fam, it’s Friday, time for some Big Fish
Today I’m not reviewing a new instrument or collection of samples
Today I’m reviewing a book!
Now before you turn and run the other way, give me a few minutes, as I think you’ll like this one
I’m reviewing “The Producer’s Manual” from Sample Magic
It’s probably not what you think…but let’s check it out and see
What is The Producer’s Manual?
This is a huge 350+ page book written by Paul White, editor at Sound on Sound.
The book aims to cover all aspects of mixing, recording, and even mastering your music.
It covers everything from the history of recording, to mics, to all the common types of fx processors and more.
You get information about studio acoustics, various settings on compressors, filters, eq, limiters, reverbs and all that.
He shows step by step instructions on setting up various things like parallel compression, parallel dynamics, proper mic distance for vocals, how to record guitar, acoustic instruments, bands…man…it’s a ton of stuff
Quick Specs
- format: soft-cover book
- price: $46.95
Thoughts on the book?
I really love this book.
Not only is it a joy to look at thanks to it’s awesome design and layout, but it’s also easy to read/digest.
The information is organized in a way that makes it easy to grab what you need.
Small paragraphs, lots of descriptive pictures, step by step tutorials, pro tips and little quotes, all add up to a wonderful collection of information.
This is not a “how to make a beat” book, this is a book that will give you a better understanding of everything from what fx you choose to how you layout your track and preparing for vocals.
It’s really got the contents of a mixing/engineering and music production course….right there in the book.
Now I’m not saying schooling is wrong, but even if you’re in school for music recording/production, you should have this book.
And if you’re one of the many who like to “go it alone” this book is a MUST have.
It is written in a way that makes it easy to understand, not talking over your head or expecting you to know a bunch of fancy terminology.
Even if you don’t know a certain word…there’s a glossary.
I give this book 5 out of 5 subs, it’s really an indispensible book that I think anyone involved in music production, recording, or mixing should have
It really caters to the home, bedroom, and project studio folks as well, but is useful for professional studio producers and engineers as well.
Bottom line is, get the book, period.
Check out some demo pages to get an idea: The Producer’s Manual sample pages
Then get on over to Big Fish and get you a copy before it’s gone: http://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.html?514153
leave a comment below!!
Big Fish Giveaway Winner Announcement!!!
Also, congrats to the winner of the big fish giveaway: Vlad!
You win a copy of “The Producer’s Manual” for free courtesy of Big Fish Audio!
If you didn’t win today, good luck next time.
Remember you don’t have to do anything but be on the list to win, and check back here for Big Fish Fridays
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i been wanting to grab this. Does section 3 actually tell you how to record. For example if your recording drums, does it show you how t0 mic properly?
@xavier.p, yeah bro, it explains all that, it’s really thorough man, I love this book. Must have.
🙁 lol congrats Vlad
@Nekkron99, hahahaha lol
As ever JK, thanks for the review and the support 🙂
Keep up the great work.
@Dave Felton, no problem bro, LOVE it, keep it up man, looking forward to any other books you guys do. Great work!
Thanks a lot for the review Joe, I’ve heard a lot about the book, some good, some bad, this shows that it’s indeed useful.
@Sergiu, it’s very useful, not sure what anyone could have bad to say about it…maybe the title mislead some folks. But either way, I just want to share my opinion and give a true idea of what’s in it…it’s a must have in my opinion.
Sitting here cleaning the dots on a Technics 1200mk2, dirt n grime on my fingers from wet sanding them dots down.. and decided to check my email and take a lil break. Then saw this.. man.
I am overly impressed with this book. the lay out alone has the visual comforts of many magazines I frequent. But the plethora of info inside is simply overwhelming. This is definitely going on my bookshelf, and I have been either playing an instrument or recording since 12(20+yrs).
Many of these kind of books are niche, and expandable.. But some that come out, are simply required reading if you take your craft seriously. Donald Passman “everything you need to know about the music business, and David Gibson “The art of mixing” come to mind.. And This certainly is one of those books.
Now we just someone to do a good book on “How to make hit records for dummies and newbs” and life would be grand. Or at least maybe the music would be better. Im hopeful.
@triple-x, typo: expendable not expandable. lol
@triple-x, I knew what ya meant bro 🙂
@triple-x, LOL I saw you talking about your new turntable 🙂
But I agree with everything you said man…some books, you just have to have. And you hit it 100%, the layout is really like a magazine more than a book, and I think that’s what makes it such an easy book to digest. Because there is tons of info, but it doesn’t seem daunting at all…not intimidating in any way. I highly suggest it man.
Every studio should have a reference guide like this.
@Funky Drummer Dewey Dew, you are correct, I think every person involved in music creation in any way…should have this book.
joe” is that a mikro, I’m lookin at? 😉
@dp, oh yes sir 🙂
Good look bruh,
This is the second book you reviewed I gotta get. I know you got more books than that… why you holdin’ out fam? lol
@AGC, hahahaha, man, the two books I’ve reviewed, I did for a reason 🙂
You know I only like to share the best stuff. I may share some more if I come across some other goodies 🙂
SJ, man you just went “Reading Rainbow” on them. They ain’t ready.
@Mean Gene, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brotha! You had my DYING with that…
“but don’t just take my word for it…” LOL!!!!
It’s good to hear your take. I’ve purchased their previous publication and habitually keep going back to it, like it’s calling me or something 😀 I think they both get the point accross well for the reader to use as a point of guidance and not so much as a “how to make a hit kit”. For the creativity and developed talent are up to the individual. Reads like these I feel are made to take the presented knowledge and expand upon it to suit your individual purposes. Perhaps those that bad mouth it think it’s supposed to be Wonka’s Golden Ticket?
@Jamari, yeah fam, they do really good work when it comes to the books, very well designed, written, and laid out.
SJ,This manual seems to have all the info needed to get things right…
Thanks for sharing this one…
@Baddboy2000, it’s a really great book fam, def recommend it
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Great review and great book!!
Why ur monitors so far apart though? 😛 Shouldn’t they be spaced equidistant to the distance from your ear to the tweeter?
@Binga, yeah it’s a dope book man! Monitors aren’t far apart lol.