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Power Tools: Software for Loop Music

Power Tools: Software for Loop Music illuminates the technical and creative aspects of loops, allowing you to access and master this limitless form. An opening chapter serves as a sampling primer, explaining elements of sound quality, common sampling pitfalls, editing techniques, and loop arrangement tools. The following sections explore applications of the most popular software tools, such as Sony ACID, Ableton Live, Apple’s Soundtrack, Propellerheads ReCycle!, and clarify issues such as audio engineering, sampling, sound design, mixing, and live performance. Each chapter offers tips and techniques the pros use to make the most of their loop libraries. Plus, an essential section on sampling legalities gives you the lowdown on licensing. Finally, the book explores specifics of performing live with these tools, using a laptop or portable computer rig.

Whether you’re into techno, funky nu-jazz, ambient breakbeat, hip-hop, straight-up pop, or good ol’ fashioned drum ‘n’ bass, you’re bound to be building an arsenal of loops.

As a bonus, the CD-ROM contains demo and lite software of many of the tools discussed, in both Mac OS and Windows versions, as well as over 250 megabytes of license- and royalty-free loops and samples in a variety of styles.

Book details:

Digital recording and sampling techniques;
Troubleshooting your recordings and mixes;
Creating your own loops;
Signal processing and routing, time-saving shortcuts;
Mixing like the pros;
Legal aspects of sampling.

User Level: Beginner
Author: Francis Preve
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Backbeat Books

About the author:
Award-winning remixer and composer Francis Preve is a recognized expert in synthesis, engineering, and production. His credits range from soundtrack production for Warner Bros. and Touchstone Pictures to remixes for Orbital, Utah Saints, Beborn Beton, and Claire Voyant. A contributing editor for Keyboard Magazine since 2000, he is also the author of Power Tools for GarageBand.