Secondary or "third party" manuals have been around for some time. A popular software or hardware often inspires a guidebook that can be much more user-friendly than the product's own manual, and written by a user for users. For popular products, there's usually a market for another, perhaps more enlightening perspective on a sometimes difficult-to-learn piece of software or gear. This extends beyond the audio market most assuredly—many graphics programs, video and web programs have secondary manuals that have become something of a "bible" for power users.

Scott R. Garrigus has been using Cakewalk products since the DOS days (not to be confused with dog days). Mr. Garrigus is the author of Cakewalk Power! as well as Sound Forge Power!, as well as an accomplished writer for several magazines. By all accounts, he is imminently qualified to author a book such as Sonar Power!, which has been technically edited by Cakewalk.

Getting You Started
Garrigus is the first to admit that Sonar comes with an excellent manual. The Cakewalk folks have always done a comprehensive job on their documentation with a reasonable overview and quick start guide, down to the meatier details. In his introduction, Garrigus states that a product manual is often a list of features, rather than step-by-step instructions. Though Cakewalk's manuals go beyond being a list of features, they are written in terms of the features. In this sense, his point is taken, while forming the basis for the "other perspective" that Sonar Power! offers.

The introduction also gives you an overview of the book's contents. While the Table of Contents is effectively rich with subheadings, the overview gives a more personalized look with some added background on the writer's intentions and goals. Conventions used in the book are explained, and I must say, the "Tips," "Cautions," and "Note" sidebars that adorn the pages that follow are like brain candy for those with information sweet tooths.

Once You Get Started..
The book assumes that you're not a novice, that you know how to get around with a computer, and that you have successfully installed the Sonar program. Basic enough for the beginner, deep enough for the advanced, Sonar Power! really takes you from point A to point B. Help for identifying your current software version is provided, with procedures for downloading and installing the constant fixes and updates that can be found on Cakewalk's website. Getting your project on to CD is even covered with tips for working in CD Creator, effectively making the book a soup-to-nuts affair.

Everybody eventually comes up with their own way of getting tasks done within a program. There may be several ways to access a screen or apply an effect, and it's always interesting to see how another power user does his/her thing. Sonar Power! goes through all of the basics for editing and manipulating audio and MIDI, with step-by-step procedures enhanced by the sidebars, but also covers ground such as maneuvering within the program and organizing your files. Creating and optimizing your MIDI and audio settings is also covered.