This book is a mind fuck. So many of the techniques mentioned here are ones you will not find in any other recording books-the kind of tricks that one only learns over long periods of time. That's a good thing. Much of it deals with breaking out of the "visual" placement of mics and speakers and using one's ears. Figuring out which sounds are hard and soft and which mics will capture or change these sounds for the better, comes into play. Stav's done sessions for classical guitarist John Williams, Cat Stevens, and more. He's worked at Air Studios and has quite a reputation as being outspoken regarding recording practices, and his column, "Stav's Word" in Australia's AudioTechnology magazine, is always informative. Hell, Sir George Martin wrote the introduction to this book! It ain't cheap, but there's nothing else like it about recording. (AUD $79 direct; www.mixingwithyourmind.com)