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Whether you are brand new to DP or a proven expert, every one of us needs help, training, tips or tricks now and then. Some may think there is a ton of help out there, others may be surprised by the slim pickings considering how long DP has been around. Either way, this installment of DP Corner is intended to be your one-stop-shop for all things DP. So before getting into the lists, here are few pointers when considering the possibility of laying out the dough for some of these resources.
- If using a search engine to find DP training materials, always make sure that the material you are considering indicates the version of DP that it covers. Many search results can be for older versions. If it doesn’t indicate the version then it may be somebody trying to get away with selling a very old product.
- For any of the books or CD/DVD-based sources, if the version of DP that is used for the training is not specifically cited, be sure to inquire with the publisher first. If that doesn’t work, another way is check the publishing or copyright dates and compare those to DP version release dates.
- Watch out for content descriptions that include “FreeMIDI”, “OMS”, or similar terms that only apply to older versions.
- Many DP users are constantly waiting for the next version while others are content with prior versions. However, if DP was updated more often, the training materials for each version would go out of date quicker. Something to keep in mind is that many of the core features in DP do not change significantly from version to version. So you should research the contents of the training material you’re considering and even if it’s for a slightly older version it may still suit your need and even be on sale.
- Be sure to check eBay and Amazon as they often have current DP books and DVD training materials available, but watch out on eBay for stuff advertised as current but actually is out-dated. Whatever they advertise, look it up elsewhere to ensure it meets your need.
Segregated by category, here is a listing of what I believe to be the most relevant DP resources.
The Obvious
READ THE MANUAL!!!!
I say this with such emphasis because it is mind boggling how many issues forum users could resolve if they just read their manual. MOTU has always produced thorough and well-written manuals with a good glossary to help you get around. It typically pays to go there first.
MOTU - http://www.motu.com
As a registered user of DP you can log-in to the Support area on MOTU’s site to request technical support via phone, fax, or their new web-based TechLink system (which replaces their email-based support as of May 18, 2007). The TechLink page is accessed through your account and allows you to select your registered product and then fill out your issue details for online transfer to MOTU. A TechLink then becomes a web-based exchange with MOTU Technical Support.
Regardless of how you contact MOTU, to make sure that you get your issue resolved with the least amount of back-and-forth, it is highly advisable that you provide or be ready to provide all of the following every time you contact MOTU Technical Support:
Computer model
OS version
Amount of RAM installed
Hard drive configuration
Audio and MIDI interface configuration
A list of any USB or Firewire peripherals that you use (including hubs)
The MOTU product and version
General description of the problem
A description of the fixes that you’ve already tried and the results of each.
Remember, technicians are human beings. Be nice to them and you’ll get their best effort. Patience is always a useful tech support tool.
Groups & Forums
Some of the best tips, tricks and help are provided by real-life DP users. I highly recommend setting up accounts at any of the groups below, but when using them, try to stick to the facts. User opinions sway in all directions and they typically hinder getting the point of the issue you’re trying to resolve.
Also, while valuable resources, the problem with open groups like Yahoo are that you can wind up with posts that are essentially spam and have nothing to do with the topic. You’ll get used to ignoring them and honing on the related info.
DP Corner - http://www.audiomidi.com/classroom/dp_corner/
Of course I’m biased. W e just started and we’re definitely the latest of the DP communities. The real intent of the DP Corner forum is to discuss and add to the topics addressed in each installment. And of course our success relies on all of you and your responses.
MacMusic.org - http://en.440forums.com/forums/?showforum=61
A perfect place to get your DP related questions answered and discuss DP Corner topics.
Unicornation - http://www.unicornation.com
While DP is the main topic at this stellar forum, practically all MOTU hardware and software are discussed as well. If you ever have a question or issue that the manual or MOTU can not or have not answered, search for it or post it here. You will typically get an educated response (but be patient).
Big Blue Lounge - http://www.bigbluelounge.com/forums/index.php
Formerly known as OSX Audio (you can still type osxaudio.com) this forum covers most Mac audio topics but has a dedicated DP forum that often parallels or compliments the Unicornation forum.
DP Users Group - http://www.dpusers.com/
Unlike the forums above, this group is dedicated to showcasing the talent of DP users. It’s quite easy to add yourself to the user list which results in a very brief summary of your style and link to your own web site. In addition they provide some industry news, tips like how to author podcasts using DP, and other useful resources.
Yahoo Groups - http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Digital-Performer/
Unlike Google Groups, Yahoo has a community dedicated to DP. While it’s typically not as easy to use or as heavily supported as Unicornation or Big Blue Lounge, you will still find a dedicated group of DP users that share and respond with a similar level of experience and knowledge.
Movie-Based Training (DVD/Downloadable/Podcast)
Tutorial Depot – http://www.tutorialdepot.com/index2.html
Probably the best resource for up-to-date training, tips, and tricks, they provide their material in downloadable and podcast movie formats and provide a variety of ways to access their products. At their site you can choose from bundled downloads of their QuickTime movies (ready for iPod, iPhone, and AppleTV), subscription to their series of full-length podcasts, or mini versions of some of their podcasts. Also, by doing a search for DP under the Podcast section of iTunes you can subscribe to the same mini version podcasts.
MacAudioLab – http://www.macaudiolab.com/UltimateDP.html
Recently updated for version 5, their latest DVD training series includes over 14 hours of instructional video that cover the gamut and then some. Renowned as the most comprehensive tutorial resource, this latest version steps up from the highly regarded DP4.6 series with improvements not only on the material but the interface as well.
HowAudio.com - http://library.howaudio.com/html/Video.aspx?mtid=MOTU_DP
You can see from the Table of Contents at this link the plethora of topics covered by the most recent entry into the DP tutorial domain. The difference here is that you have the option of a standard DVD or signing up for a subscription that gives you varying access to all of the material on the site for which the training movies are viewable directly from their site rather than having to download.
Xover Audio - http://www.xoveraudio.com/
As their DP training is currently under development, you may want to bookmark this for a future visit.
Books
While online and DVD based training is often kept more current than books, the following are still excellent aids in learning the DP features that have not changed significantly with each new version. While you can typically find them at Amazon.com you can often find them at your favorite music retailer, a variety of audio-oriented web sites, or even on eBay. The description for each is a summary of the publisher’s own description. There is additional information and typically a table of contents at each link.
Digital Performer 4 CSi Master – February 2004
If you’ve been using Digital Performer and want to get more out of your rig, then Digital Performer 4 CSi Master is the product you’ve been searching for! Get ready to master the key operational techniques and cool features of DP4 with this interactive CD-ROM. The CSi movie tutorials include not only functionality, but also production techniques, special shortcuts, key commands, and before and after audio examples. Digital Performer 4 CSi Master offers an easy-to-use and intuitive learning environment.
Digital Performer 4 Ignite! – December 2003
An introductory guide to DP4 that provides a step-by-step, illustrated introduction to the world of Digital Performer. Provides tips that will help you create your work faster and easier, and you will learn some creative tricks to make your music stand out. Takes you through the steps you need to successfully record, edit, and mix.
Digital Performer 4 CSi Starter Kit – May 2004
This Cool School Interactus (CSi) Starter CD-ROM provides you with effective interactive training for learning Digital Performer 4. Through the use of training movies it acts as a vehicle for you to see and hear the steps of producing a song as an experienced user takes you through it. You're guided from set up, through recording, editing, mixing to creating a CD/MP3 and backing up your files. To encourage you to get comfortable with working within DP, you can easily switch between the CSi and Digital Performer interfaces.
Producing Music with Digital Performer – May 2004
A comprehensive guide to the features and strategies of DP4. Includes a book and CD-ROM that will teach you how to set up your Digital Performer studio, record and edit both MIDI and audio, make your MIDI productions sound musical, mix and master your recording onto a CD, and synchronize your music to video.
Digital Performer Power – January 2005
Get an overview of audio and MIDI as well as step-by-step instructions on everything from optimizing setup to mixing down arrangements into a stereo master mix. Delving deep into the functionalities of DP4, readers will get all the right information to master and enhance their musical creativity.
Creative Sequencing Techniques for Music Production: A practical guide to Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase and Pro Tools – March 2005
An inspirational guide for all levels of expertise, this book shows you how to get the most out of the four leading audio sequencers, including DP4. Using real-life examples, the author demonstrates a wide range of technical and creative techniques, giving you tips and new ideas to help you take your work to the next level. It covers sequencing from the basics, through intermediate to an advanced level, making this book ideal for music students and acoustic and MIDI composers. Includes a free CD containing loops, templates and audio examples, and end of chapter exercises to practice new skills.
Magazines
Sound On Sound - http://www.soundonsound.com/
SOS, a UK-based magazine, is the only magazine I know of that has a monthly column. The Digital Performer Notes & Techniques column covers a wide variety of DP topics, is very well written, and goes just deep enough to get a good understanding of each topic. Besides the option of a mailed subscription, SOS also provides an online subscription that includes access to nearly every article they’ve previously published along with future issues. You can even download PDF versions of some articles (though some are at a price). This has long been my favorite place for DP tid-bits, that is, until DP Corner came along. You can get a one-year subscription if you’re in the United States for a special offer of $39.00 here.
The list at the following link provides 77 entries in SOS’s DP Techniques column going all the way back to April 2001 when they started with look at Polar. You don’t need a subscription to view all three pages of this link, but you will to view the actual articles.
http://www.soundonsound.com/search?page=3&Subject=15
If you get or have an online subscription just go to the “Technique” tab at the top of the SOS homepage, and then find “Digital Performer Notes”. While you’re on the Technique page you will be blown away by all of the other how-to articles they offer in most areas of music technology.
Electronic Musician - http://emusician.com/
No dedicated column but they periodically include DP-related articles, such as:
http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_off_beaten_path/
http://emusician.com/editing/emusic_picture_window/index.html
Whether DP oriented or not, the gear and how-to coverage in these magazines will appeal to most DP users. Some offer a free trial period.
Computer Music Magazine - http://www.computermusic.co.uk/
EQ Magazine - http://www.eqmag.com
Film Music Magazine - http://www.filmmusicmag.com/
Film Score Monthly - http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/
Future Music Magazine (UK) - http://www.futuremusic.co.uk/
Future Music Magazine (US) - http://futuremusicmag.com/
iCOM Film & Video Production & Postproduction Magazine- http://www.icommag.com/
Keyboard Magazine - http://www.keyboardmag.com
Mix Magazine - http://www.mixonline.com
Recording Magazine - http://www.recordingmag.com
Remix Magazine - http://remixmag.com/
Tape Op Magazine - http://www.tape-op.com
Virtual Instruments Magazine - http://www.virtualinstrumentsmag.com/
(special subscription offer available through audioMIDI.com here [http://www.audiomidi.com/Virtual-Instruments-Magazine-P8590.aspx])
If you have a Digital Performer related question that you would like me to take a shot at answering or have any feedback, please send it to timr@audioMIDI.com. I will do my best to select the questions that seem to stump the most people.
Subscribe to the DP Corner mailing list at http://www.audiomidi.com/classroom/dp_corner/signup.cfm
As always, stay tuned to the audioMIDI.com eNews for the latest reviews and new product info.
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