The Secrets of House Music Production: A Reference Manual from Sample Magic Paperback – July 1, 2012

Lets just say that this book is NOT at all for the average beginner. This book targets the mid intermediate to advance producers who are fairly somewhat familiar with the way music is constructed. How do I know this, well I almost returned it when I first bought it. I had purchased a bunch of books to learn more of what I wasn't getting. You really have to dig and get your hands dirty when it comes to music production to understand things. Things come to you here and there as you come along.When I had first purchased this book, I scoffed because I had no idea what the book was talking about as a beginner. I researched and practiced religiously what I had thought was music production and as I found myself exploring new techniques and looking for new ways to do X or Z, I found them here in this book. There are plenty of things that are talked about in this book that I learned from. The book is presented in a way that you can pick it up at any time and look through sections depending on what your working on. If your looking for a lead sound or how to create one, there are general guidelines that are pretty useful. If your looking for ways to beef up your bass, the book talks about it too. It doesnt go into detail as to why things should be done or what kind of application is required, but never the less. I find myself looking over the book sometimes at certain sections at night to relearn things that were laid out and not understood due to lack of experience. After one year of religious practicing and reading, I can find things that will add that extra 20% to my production. This is what this book is for. Awesome book, takes some time to understand. Once you do, you will go through it looking for little tips and advice to spice up your production.

Mine didn't have the Multimedia Redemption code, but Marc Adamo refereed me to the Sample Magic licensing and they fixed me up.This is really a good read no matter the DAW. It's more music theory for house producers and points out the subtle details of house that I never realized. And I've been a House DJ for 25 Years.After describing the sum of characteristics that make up the base house sound, Marc goes into detail on how to achieve those characteristics in modern day DAW's. He never starts speaking over the reader's head and seems mindful to pace everything carefully which is ironically also a quality of house music in general.While I don't think this book stands on it's own in a EDM Librany, that's not it's purpose. This book has so many uses, spur inspiration, ideas, refine the mental workflow of creating music which is 90% of writers block.Most importantly, it's nice to read theory from not just another producer, but a House producer. That common interest cannot be undervalued.

The only reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5 isn't the content. The content is awesome and it doesn't matter what DAW you use...it all translates pretty well. This is a perfect book for beginners-amateurs to get a huge jump start into the art of production. Many sample templates covering all house music genres. Little tips and tricks throughout that really helped elevate my game.I just want to know what this guy was thinking making it the way he did...I understand a lot of the content couldn't fit properly into a vertical bound book...But WTF? Could have used a little more effort and thought in making it MORE DURABLE. It would be fine if it was bound properly. IF you really use this book a lot, the pages will start to fall out like butter. And then what? It can't sit on bookshelves. It is hard to store anywhere without damage. its not really efficient at all to use while producing cuz of the awkward size. Personally I think it should be remade and given for free for those who provide proof of purchase.Other than that the print is HIGH quality and VERY legible. Honestly I wish it was just put together right so I wouldnt have to speak anything negative about it...but it really is a huge issue when the pages started falling out.

A great read for all levels of producers. Even if you don't read the whole thing and just skim though when you need a specific question answered, its still completely worth the money.

Those who think if they should get this manual to improve their skills in music production, get it as soon as possible.. you will have no regrets... This book is packed with a lot of techniques which will help you step up your game.. I carefully cut out the samples CD sleeve from the back so the book is more comfortable to use.

Great book. Very expensive. Good detail on kicks, snares, hats and bass, but drops off on other subjects towards the end of the book. For this price, you should expect twice as much detail in a bible-like enclosure. Dance Music Manual is more comprehensive than this, but this book is more modern in some respects. You will definitely learn something from this boom, if you don't mind paying top dollar for a niche product in a drought of similar specialist books.

For many years I was waiting to see this book/CD at a good price. The only book of its kind on House Music. No equal.