How to learn about audio recording and production

Question

I have little knowledge in audio recording and production. I wonder how I shall learn about it?

1. As a beginner, some introductory material that give general ideas and big picture will be great.

   As I continue to learn, some comprehensive references will probably be needed to consult from time to time.

   The materials and references can be of any form, books, webpages, ...

2. Some good software on computer for audio recording and production, which can improve my understanding by playing around? Some people recommend Audacity. Is it a good choice?

Currently I just hope to make and manipulate some audio files on my personal computer, but I would also like to open my eyes to know about how professionals work.

Thanks and regards!

Answer 1

For introductory material, you won't go far wrong with getting a few books by Paul White (editor of Sound on Sound magazine). He's done a whole series of really helpful short books, including:

• Basic Digital Recording
• Basic Microphones
• Basic Mixing Techniques
• Basic Home Studio Design
• Basic Effects and Processors
• Basic Mastering
• Basic VST Instruments
• Basic VST Effects
• Basic Multitracking
• Basic Mixers
• Basic Sampling
• Basic Live Sound
• Basic MIDI

As for your second question, Audacity is a decent free recording application, good for recording and editing single audio files, or producing podcasts. If music recording is your thing, and you want to record MIDI, or use lots of VST effects, then a digital audio workstation (DAW) would probably be more appropriate. I've used and can recommend REAPER and SONAR, but there are lots of others to choose from.