Like the previous edition, a CD-ROM comes with the book with PT session files but now includes plug-in demos, academic versions of Chapters 1 through 4 and .pdf files of Appendix B--i.e. Function and Quick key labels you can glue to your QWERTY computer keyboard.

I like that this book neither dumb downs Pro Tools or goes over your head with technical jargon. Part one's Chapters 1 through 5 take you from installing and getting comfortable with the program by starting a new session, overdubbing and then basic editing and mixing. You could stop after this section and know about as much as most Pro Tool owners.

Part two goes real world with an actual tracking session by a local band. Good professional Pro Tools work habits are established to make the process go as smooth as possible when Keane tackles all the typical issues encountered when recording an inexperienced Rock band. This is really a producer lesson as we see how to deal with fixing the drums, bass and guitar performances and sound quality issues.

Part three gets you familiar with loops, altering the song's arrangement, fattening the drum kit, setting up cue mixes, creating faux double tracked performances, and vocal comping and tuning to name some of the highlights. There is also a very comprehensive chapter on advanced mixing techniques that offers an insider trick or two.