As wonderful as digital recording can be, the single most frustrating aspect of using a digital audio workstation is the learning curve. As features become more advanced, you can find yourself dealing with a foggy brain and blurry eyes as you try to figure things out. I have been a Pro Tools user for a number of years, and I still don't use the software to its full potential. In January, 2004, Asa Doyle and Antony Livoti founded Groove Box Music as a way to help their audio brethren become masters of their digital domains. They offer instructional DVDs for sale from the site, but in a unique twist, you can also use a pay per view method, giving you access to the same content in streaming form. Their client base consists of project studio owners, producers, engineers and even legendary Herbie Hancock, who offers up his praise of the website.
The main page allows you to choose a topic, sign up for membership or watch one of several free videos offered by Groovebox.
Understandability
I have watched my fair share of videos and read more books than I care to recall, all in an attempt to learn all I could about Pro Tools. Eveything had something to offer, but nothing came close to being definitive. The beauty of the content at Groovebox is that it is ever expanding. As features are introduced, you can expect a tutorial video to follow shortly thereafter. You don't get some marketing guy, an educated but soulless talking head, feeding you instructions. Instead, you get the real scoop from users just like you and me, albeit with some more mileage.
When you choose a video, a seperate window opens with the content.
Depth of Information
I mentioned Pro Tools already. There is a section of "Core Concepts" which covers everything to get started using Pro Tools. It is perfect for the beginner. My favorite PT section is "Pro Tools Tips and Tricks". Here you can learn to do things in Pro Tools that you might not have ever even considered.
It doesn't stop with Pro Tools. There is more out there in the world of digital recording and lest you think this may turn into a Pro Tools lovefest, Groovebox has other platforms covered as well. Topics include "Autotune Explained", "Ableton Live Explained", "Cubase Explained", "FL Studio Tips and Tricks", "Garageband Explained", "Logic Explained", "Logic Tips and Tricks", "Music Production with Logic 8", "Mic Technics Explained", "Reason Core Concepts" and "Music Production with Reason 4". There is alot there and there promises to be more to come. Once you decide on a topic, everything is broken up into small subtopics and chunks of info so it is more easily digested. You aren't forced to watch 2 hours of Garageband basics. You can jump around and view specific areas of interest within each topic.
As wonderful as digital recording can be, the single most frustrating aspect of using a digital audio workstation is the learning curve. As features become more advanced, you can find yourself dealing with a foggy brain and blurry eyes as you try to figure things out. I have been a Pro Tools user for a number of years, and I still don't use the software to its full potential. In January, 2004, Asa Doyle and Antony Livoti founded Groove Box Music as a way to help their audio brethren become masters of their digital domains. They offer instructional DVDs for sale from the site, but in a unique twist, you can also use a pay per view method, giving you access to the same content in streaming form. Their client base consists of project studio owners, producers, engineers and even legendary Herbie Hancock, who offers up his praise of the website.
