Matrixsynth, a fascinating blog that publishes copious images, videos, and notes on synth hardware, examines Real World Digital Audio on a chapter-by-chapter basis, concluding:

What makes it stand out from other tutorials is that it goes into some depth on how things work — the theory behind how and why you apply certain techniques. It’s filled with tips, links to other resources, tutorials and more. It’s written and designed to help de-mystify technique and process . . . It is well written, easy to follow, rich in content, and it provides links to more extensive documentation if you want it.

I got a chance to talk to Matrix in the review about some of the thinking behind the book, as well. [Full review / interview]

In other news, now that I’ve relaunched my own site Create Digital Music, I’ll be able to finally add some extra content here on the book site in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for updates.

Leading music creation and independent promotion webzine GarageSpin reviews Real World Digital Audio and says it “rocks”:

“… it’s the dive into music synthesis, live performance, and film/video scoring that really differentiates this book from other home studio intros. They give a wide perspective on what’s possible with DIY digital audio … I love the fact that it supports the reader with tutorials using software that’s included in the book.”

“RWDA is definitely one of the best introductions to DIY digital audio available now.”

In addition to the full review, producer, musician, and digital music specialist MikeB also interviews me about the book and my website, Create Digital Music.

GarageSpin, incidentally, is an invaluable resource for learning about independent music promotion and digital music distribution and creation (along with, as the name implies, GarageBand coverage). I’m a big fan of the site, so I’m all the more flattered by the generous review! Definite must-read to add to your RSS feeds.

After months writing in solitude, there’s nothing better than hearing from actual readers. Kenny Ruffin, a multi-talented musician, media producer, and teacher, writes:

“I want to say that I couldn’t have gotten a better text book for my community college audio production class. Great in-depth book.”

Mr. Ruffin runs the media production firm Ruffhaus Media and is using the book in his courses at Columbus State Community College. And he’s performed with Stevie Wonder, much more than I can say!

He also asks an interesting question: in a course situation, what might be a good text to use after Real World Digital Audio. This is largely dependent on the curriculum, but I’m going to think about that question a bit more and may include a new expanded online bibliography soon.

The complete Table of Contents for the book, with my own notes on why the chapters are there and what they include.

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The DVD included with Real World Digital Audio is a data DVD compatible with Macs and Windows PCs. We’ve assembled over two gigabytes of sound content, instruments, and software tools you can use immediately in your music, and to explore topics in the book. People have been asking me what’s on the DVD, so here’s an overview of the complete contents included. (Remember, you can stay up-to-date on this site.)

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From the cover:

No matter what part of the musical spectrum you come from—whether you’re playing in a band, composing, or DJing—if you’re using a computer (or wondering whether you should be), to get the results you want from your digital studio you’ll need reliable information. Real World Digital Audio is a comprehensive resource that offers practical advice on making great music with modern technologies—a valuable reference whatever your musical genre or preferred audio application. You’ll learn how digital sound works, and then apply that knowledge to getting your music to sound the way you want. From recording, mixing, and producing CDs, musical scores, and video soundtracks, to performing live with your laptop, this is the definitive guide to the art of creating digital music.

Real World Digital Audio will show you how to . . .

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From the December 2005 issue of Keyboard Magazine, in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide:

When Peter Kirn does his debuts, he does them big. This book and DVD is packed with excellent hands-on tips for every imaginable aspect of digital music production. You get tons of application-specific tips that are musical and practical enough to transcend the usual time-sensitive nature of software. Beginners will find this to be the most comprehensive guide to setting up their systems and getting started, while pros will find ideas to improve their own productions. The DVD is crammed with soundware, software utilities, demo files, and demo software.

The world of computers changes so rapidly that writing about digital audio is like shooting at a moving target. And yet Peter Kirn has managed to score a bullseye with Real World Digital Audio. I’ve never read a book on this topic that explains the concepts and basics so eloquently while providing practical hands-on, get-it-done-now tips that will satisfy professionals, now and in the future.

-Ernie Rideout, Editor-in-Chief, Keyboard Magazine