This guide takes the wise approach of assuming you are completely new to Logic and proceeds to take you through a hands-on tour. This is a step-by-step type of arrangement where you are expected to follow along through each section and build upon the sample project at each stage. It does not assume you know things, it tells you what you need to know in order to understand each covered aspect of the software. If you've got experience in other DAWs then parts of it will bore you but I'd be wary of skipping this even if you are a Pro-Tools or Cubase whiz. The Logic interface and workflow makes use of hovering tool tips and button plus mouse commands so parts of it can remain well hidden unless you've had something like this book show them to you.

I found the format of the step-by-step instructions to be concise and clear. The discussion and commentary sections are clearly set apart from the steps. The screen-shots are well done and can be read easily. If you are willing to put in the time to work through the book you will have a functional understanding of Logic and be able to make full use of voluminous documentation that comes with Logic Studio to go further on various topics at your leisure. The Logic documentation is very good but most people are need a warm-up like this in order to be able to get the most out of their $500 software investment.

Think of this book as the fundamental text, or perhaps what should have been in the Studio Documentation instead of the lean "Getting Started" book that was included. Its purpose is to ensure you get a solid foundation on which to build and it does that in a very methodical way. Some people, especially creative folks, may have problems sitting through such a structured process but based on the number of "help me do -blank-" posts I see every day on Logic and Musician's message boards I think most people need this book.

This was a tough review. I have a good amount of experience in DAWs, so I'm not a beginner. I found the "PRO" title of this book to be very misleading.

I was looking for the get there quick method, and this book was NOT it. This book holds your hand and asks you to do exercises that are VERY basic. It didn't even teach you how to change the quantization strength! (extended parameters, by the way)

This book is probably excellent for those just getting into audio. It would make a good workbook for a school. I wish I had one of these years ago when I was first learning any DAW.

I ended up just skimming the book and selling it. I never even used the CD, since I realized quickly that this was not what I was looking for. I found most of the information I was looking for instead on the Logic message board and in the manual.

The author of this book is on the message board and is a very nice and helpful person. He is also a good author and I would imagine these exercises would be very interesting to those who haven't done them numerous times before in real-world situations on different programs.

I am giving this product a 3, since I feel that most of the information in it can be easily learned in the manual that comes with the program. I'm not giving it lower because for what it is, a workbook for beginners, it is actually pretty good. Probably a good read for someone new to DAWs, who might find the manual a bad place to start.

For those interested, I also briefly skimmed the other book in the series, beyond the basics, and found it not all that 'beyond'.

This is not only the most well written tutorial on Logic 8, but should be the model for how tutorial books should be written. It covers each topic in enough detail to fully understand it and get started using and experimenting with. The material really makes sense and sticks because of all the hands-on experience using the lesson material on the accompanying disk. You get to go from building a simple song to mixing complete studio tracks supplied. I found myself spending hours and hours on each lesson because it showed me enough to start experimenting and learning more on my own. David Nahmani has written the perfect tutorial book and I hope he is writing more.

Well I was waiting for this book for months. Sure apple's docs are extensive, but theyr'e written by a real techie, and didn't find them very helpful. There also very long. So anyway, I like the combination of seeing, and doing, and that's how I learn.

Well I cracked the book, and went through the first couple of chapters. I still felt kind of overwhelmed like one of the reviewers said.

But as anything in life a trial by fire will dictate what the outcome is. 1) I had a major recording project for a song of mine's 2) I needed to learn logic.

Here's what I did. I used the MACPROVIDEO's as a good general outline, and then used logic 8 book as a reference. WHAT A COMBO! IT REALLY WORKED.

Anyway, I was able to record the song in TWO DAYS (weekend) and did the final touches later. I came back to the Logic book the other day and picked up from Lesson 6 and WOW it was much easier. I got the basics after it was drilled in my head.

The reason I switched to logic for now was Digidesign's lack of support for LEOPARD. They finally released a version for leopard, but I LOVE LOGIC NOW. So I'll probably use the combination of both, as as I go along.

When I received Logic Pro 8 I knew I was in trouble. The literature included with the program was simply put, a little overwhelming. Being a beginner in all sense of the word, barely new to Garage Band as well, I knew I would require outside assistance and I found it in Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 8 and Logic Express 8 (Apple Pro Training). Even though it says it also applies to Logic Express is just what the doctor ordered for a dummy of my category. The manual is an expanded and difficult reading while this book simplifies the approach to where there is hope for my learning style. I have been able to progress dramatically and that in a nutshell is why I write this review. With a much more understandable approach to the subject is money well spent. And what a program it is! Needless to say I Love my Apple computer and the possibilities it has offer me creatively specially musically. I give it a 4 Star for I am still in an upward learning curve and still on the lookout for any additional material that might make a music producer out of me yet. It probably deserves a 4.5 which in my opinion is a more precise way to rate a product. From 4 to 5 it's just too much of a leap and 5, of course, being perfection is only awarded to the rare and few. Thank you for reading and great luck with all the wonderful music this book will certainly allow users to make in their moments of inspiration. Long Live America and it's awesome citizens!

This is a fantastic asset. Being new to Mac, and new to Logic, I needed some help. I made the right decision in getting this book with DVD!

I very highly recommend this book to anyone who owns Logic. Whether you're new to Logic or you're an experienced user like me, you'll find that you're learning a lot throughout each lesson.

In each lesson the author takes you step by step through the various stages of producing a track. The book provides tons of tips and tricks and has great advice about creating good workflow habits.

A real treat is that some of the tracks on the accompanying DVD are professional Logic sessions that you can experiment with in order to hone your Logic skills.

I bought this book not only to get more familiar with Logic, but also to get ready for my apple certification exams. I learned quite a few tips and tricks just by going through the book, and I had already been using Logic for about a year. From recording shortcuts, to MIDI editing tips, mixing, and even sound for picture editing, there are plenty of new cool things to learn.
This book prepares you for the level 1 certification exam, and actually went and took the level 2 course with the author. In class, I found that I was completely prepared for everything we talked about, and I passed the level 1 exam without a hitch.
Excellent book.

I read this book twice, and went from being a newbie in Logic to completely functional very quickly.

The book is separated into chapters that make sense, and within a few chapters you will know everything you need to put together a song. Literally.

Logic is a massive application, and this book gives you the information in a very sensical manner.

Oh and I got a 90% on the Apple test after reading this :)

I purchased this book so I could learn about Apple Logic Pro recording software. After going through this book I feel like I can take on any recording project using this software. Excellent!!

Logic is not a mystery. This is a seriously good book. Covers the basics while being sufficiently in-depth to provide far more that just general knowledge. Something like this should really ship with Logic. The Logic Manual is a bit like trying to fly a spaceship whilst looking at the blueprints for guidence.

If you have no prior experience of using a DAW - or are new to Logic & want to know what it all means & how to get the most out of it, then this is DEFINITELY the book for you. So happy I found this - its really helped speed things up for me. There's great value for this book on Amazon - so look well before you buy.. You will not regret it.

Having had the wonderful experience of taking Logic training with David in person, I was looking forward to his approach to written training. He did not fail to impress. Throughout this logically (no pun intended) organized tour through Logic 8, David adds special musical references that makes all the differences between a dry volume and page turning adventure. A musician himself, he has anticipated the most important questions along the way that usually come up, that usually derail the creative process until one sifts through the manual looking for the answer. This is the best book on Logic (and I have a few) ever!

The book came in great shape and has awesome colored pictures, quality paper, step by step instructions. A must for starters in Logic.

This book seems essential for learning Logic, spelling everything out in an orderly fashion, teaching even the techno-challenged learner!

This is really the best way to learn Logic as it is like having the teacher sitting next to you as you navigate thru the production process. Very clear and insightful.

From beginner to a master of Logic Pro, this is an integral tool for mastery. The benefits to a beginner are obvious: it walks you through every step of utilizing every aspect of Logic well. For the expert, I would recommend this or its sequel, Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 8: Beyond the Basics (Apple Pro Training) , because Logic 8, from what I've heard, is quite different form its predecessor versions (Logic 7, for example, is very different form Logic 8). So, this is a great textbook/reference for any person interested in music composition or music production technology and willing to take it to the next level, and get real in-depth about the topics.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to learn Logic or if you want to become Level One Certified. The book states that exercises take about 60 minutes per chapter but I found them to be about 3 hours, so add that time into your estimated time of completion. I found the information laid out well and I certainly learned a lot about Logic that I didn't know before I read the book.

I'm a music composition student who has just started to enter the world of recording and editing, although I had some previous experience with DP5. I just made the transition to Mac and got an amazing deal on Logic Studio ($149!!) through my school, so I decided to give it a shot. As soon as I opened it up though, I was totally lost and overwhelmed. I got this book because it was certified by Apple, and figured David must know what he's talking about. Well, he definitely does, and on top of that he does a great job of breaking things down into easy sessions that introduce a single concept at a time. I would recommend doing each lesson and then experimenting with the new techniques you learn for a while to make them "stick" before moving on to the next lesson. In short, if you've opened up Logic and feel totally intimidated by its wealth of features, GET THIS BOOK!

The first chapter is wonderful, but then it jumps into heavy stuff that only the Pro will want to follow. If you want to make music like you do in Garage Band, but with all the extra mixers and stuff, there has to be a simpler book. For a Pro or semi pro/teacher etc. I would give it 5 stars. For someone with my needs, I give it a 1, so I balanced it to a 3. Check it out in a book store if you can before deciding on a purchase.

I'm still using the book and am only 1/4 of the way through it, but the tone of the book is good for the novice.
It does not answer a lot of general questions you might have.... you have to stay with the program... step by step as you navigate what the authors feel are the basics of Logic and Logic Express. Still, it's useful, and there really isn't anything better that I've been able to find.

Looking to learn Logic 8? Looking to learn a solid foundation in making computer music in general? This is book is your holy grail! Logic's manuals will tell you how run Logic, David's book will tell you how to create a song using the full potential of Logic. It will also speed your work flow and efficiency with Logic, by teaching you the ins and outs of Logic's tools and plug-ins. I only wish I had this book about 3 years ago, the headaches I could have avoided! I haven't finished the book yet, so I'm sure my recommendation for this book will only grow. I'll be back for a final review when I'm finished!

For folks who want to learn more about the Logic 8 software, it is a very good reference and learning tool. This book is also part of the Apple Pro Training Series, which means you can use it to prepare for an exam and get certified in Logic 8. It is organized in a logical manner by subject, and includes easy to follow, step-by-step lessons. The lessons walk you through interactively recording and editing music using included files and performances that you record yourself. An enclosed CD includes the example files that are used during the lessons. The lessons include things like how to do basic recording, multiple takes of instruments and performances, MIDI recording and editing, drum machine sequencing, and putting the finishing touches on your composition. The book also includes information on how to set up external MIDI devices and interface devices for recording performances and monitoring your music. Overall, a very useful reference for anyone who wants to learn how to use the beginning and intermediate features of Logic 8 without spending their time learning by trial and error. Note - If you have previously been using Apple's GarageBand software, then this book will definitely accelerate your transition to Logic 8.

This book is not only the best book on the subject, it should also be used as an example for "How to Write a How-to Book." What is so valuable about Mr. Nahmani's approach is that it's not JUST a "how-to" book; it provides concrete musical examples of when & why to use certain features, putting Logic's immense capabilities in context. You think you're just going to learn a computer application & you end up learning music production. The author gives the keyboard shortcuts for every process, greatly helping to streamline your workflow. It's a real hands-on experience, not just a manual.

My wife bought me a new iMac and Logic Studio for Christmas. I was switching from PC/various DAWs and was a bit overwhelmed, so I ordered this book. After just two chapters, I feel like I've learned more than in three years of using other DAWs. Everything is explained throroughly ... nothing is left to "well, you already ought to know how to do that." The author obviously understands how to take a product's features and explain them as benefits to me. I was able to take tracks from a previous recording and remix it in Logic Pro 8 ... I can't believe how good it sounds compared to the old. If I can do that after two chapters, I can't wait to get through the rest of the book.

Excellent manual to get you started with Logic 8. Superior to the Logic 8 video training programs I have used. The step by step lessons with the enclosed CD work well together. However, The book states the length of each lesson to take about an hour - but each lesson took me at least 2-3 hours to work carefully through.

Highly recommended.

This is without a doubt the best book written to date for Apple's audio program, Logic 8. It assumes you know nothing about Logic, and takes you thru the program, step by step, using real-world scenarios and excercises, showing you the power of the program. Each chapter builds upon the experience gained in the previous one, and exposes how truly creative Logic can be.

Even for those who come from previous versions of Logic, the changes in Logic 8 are significant, and this book shows you how to best take advantage of those changes. The content is well written, carefully thought out, and a Must Have for anyone wanting to dive into this complex program.

This book takes you thru the basics and gets you up to speed fast, in a weekend I went from somewhat knowing the program, to fully grasping the extent of logics features. After reading the book from cover to cover I can now go thru and expand on my knowledge with ease. I used other programs such as pro tools and cubase and was waiting for the "apple revamp" for logic and when it finally arrived the manuals (as usual) are overkill. I wanted to come up to speed fast & this book was perfect for my need. I would love to see a more advanced version (which there is) but its by a different author, I hope that it is as good as this intro book.

This is really well written book. It is constructed very well. It is clear to me that the author must be a musician and he utilize the software from music point of view (not a given thing this days...)

Highly recommended.