Pro Tools 5.1 for Music Production is a definitive guide for new and professional users of the system. It is a vital source of information to keep by your side, whether you are just starting out, or an existing user looking to maximize your system for optimum results. The book takes a real-world approach and shows how to build the right system to suit your needs. Detailed chapters on recording, editing and mixing blend essential knowledge with practical examples from actual recordings. The sections on signal processing, plug-ins, virtual instruments, MIDI + audio sequencers and hardware controllers are easy to understand and contain first hand advice. Mac users will benefit from essential operational tips such as software installation, file organization, hard drive maintenance and troubleshooting tips, whilst the book also contains essential information that will equally appeal to PC users.

If you are a music producer, recording engineer, musician, or composer there will be something in this book for you, whether you are running a small home or project studio right up to a world-class professional facility for audio and music production.

If you are about to purchase new equipment, wish to troubleshoot technical problems, need guidance on how to achieve professional sounding results, or are looking for inspiration for new ideas - keep this book by your side. Fully illustrated in colour throughout with screen grabs demonstrating step-by-step examples packed with helpful tips and notes, this book will enhance your understanding of the system.

Mike Collins is Technical Consultant to the Music Producers Guild (MPG) contributing to the Education Group and organizing technical seminars. For several years Mike has operated a Pro Tools project studio and has been involved in everything from dance remixes, to TV ads, background and featured music for TV and video, album editing and compilation and recording jazz. Mike offers consultancy, troubleshooting and personal tuition to other professionals with Pro Tools-based project studios as well as seminars on Music Technology, Pro Tools and other music software. He has written over 500 articles for audio, music technology and computer magazines and advises on college education programmes.

Mike's wide-ranging career and experience enables him to bring excellent insight from all sides into his writing, from technical detail to creative expression. Starting out as a musician and club DJ, Mike soon moved into professional recording working for EMI and other music companies. He has worked as a songwriter, Film Sound Consultant for Dolby Labs, produced TV recordings and was Senior Recording Engineer and Music Technology Specialist for Yamaha. He has also been a MIDI programmer working on records, films and music tours with bands such as the Shamen and well-known film composers such as Ryuichi Sakamoto. He has worked on CD-ROM projects for Apple and Canon and set up a programming and editing website for the Guild of Record Producers and Engineers. He has a BSc in Electroacoustics and an MSc in Music Information Technology.