Having just purchased this great software, I then proceeded to spend several hours printing out the supplied PDF manual - so that I would have a useful reference guide handy. But while the PDF manual is very useful when you need to know the nitty gritty technical details, the need for a concise yet advanced Quick Reference guide remains.
Well, I am glad to report that that need has been admirably met by Sound Forge POWER. While this book has been rated for the Beginner to Intermediate reader, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this didn't mean that I would have to wade through several chapters of rehashed audio & digital fundamentals. Oh yes - these topics are covered ... however the author (Scott Garrigus) touches on these subjects just enough to provide a clear overview, and then points the reader in the right direction should you wish to dig deeper. Then it's on to the good stuff - which means plenty of HOW TO examples, and real useful tips on all of the programs features, plug-ins, and capabilities. He even includes lots of 'gotchas' - things that are good to know so that you don't make bad choices and learn things the hard way - by losing your data! At times it seems that the author himself is as impatient as most readers probably are, to proceed to the 'meat on the bone'. While it is certainly possible to learn to use this software solely by experimenting with it and using the supplied PDF manual, it is a much more pleasant and productive experience when accompanied by this book. In fact, if I had to pick something to change about it, the only thing which comes to mind would be to double it's size. I say this not because it is a thin book, or lacking in any coverage, but more in the sense that 'you can't get enough of a good thing'. Highly recommended and a good value for your hard earned bucks!