5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running [Paperback]

Tomlinson Holman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 2000

5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running offers a wealth of practical information for recording engineers. It examines such topics as loudspeakers, room acoustics, bass management, as well as a variety of available microphone and recording techniques and tips for postproduction. A thorough study of distribution formats, including an overview of existing and emerging media, and the psychoacoustics of multichannel sound complete this book.

Multichannel or surround sound involves recording sound on five separate channels and playing it back through an array of speakers. Developed a few years ago for the home theatre market, it is only now being introduced to the music industry with the acceptance of the new DVD audio format. This is the hottest topic in the music recording business, and it will require a major conversion on the part of the studios.

*Hottest topic in sound recording today
*Mixing tips for multichannel sound
*Step-by-step instructions for setting up a monitoring room
*In 2001 Tom Holman won a Scientific and Engineering Academy Award for the research and systems integration resulting in the improvement of motion picture loudspeaker systems

Editorial Reviews

Review

"After revolutionizing theatrical film surround sound and promoting among other things the use of single common subwoofers in home theater surround systems, he went on to design and set up some of the top multi-channel studios of today. his book lays out all the types of multichannel sounds, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast." - Audiophile Audition

"His book lays out all the types of multihannel sound, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast. It would be a valuable reference for anyone involved in surround sound production in any form and for home theater dealers and installers as well." - Audiophile Audition

"Apart from the nuts and bolts, enough theory and debate is provided to keep any practitioner or sound student happy...Holman has a rare gift for simple explanation of complex concepts. I have read many sound textbooks but this volume has clarified things I never fully grasped before. 5.1 Surround Sound should be the first port of call if you are new to the subject and will provide a good source of reference for anyone already involved." - Studio Sound

From the Publisher

Multichannel or surround sound involves recording sound on five separate channels and playing it back through an array of speakers. Developed a few years ago for the home theatre market, it is only now being introduced to the music industry with the acceptance of the new DVD audio format. This is the hottest topic in the music recording business, and it will require a major conversion on the part of the studios.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (January 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803833
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803838
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,430,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars 5.1 Channel Surround Sound: Up and Running, July 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running (Paperback)

It is true that surround sound is a topic that has only recently been resubmitted to the scholarly and professional community for reconsideration. A book on this topic, especially by an accomplished expert such as Holman, should be welcomed. It is somewhat disappointing therefore that his efforts fall short and his book reads like a direct outcome of introductory lectures on the subject. There is a certain lack of precision and lucidity in its structure and format. Scholarly references have been almost completely omitted despite the fact that the professional world has been concerned with surround sound for years now and there are many publications available in form of technical papers; instead there is a long list of soon to be outdated addresses and phone numbers of respective manufacturers of surround sound equipment. Many technical terms are mentioned -- often quite casually, but very few explained in detail; information tends to be scattered and redundant without ever reaching a particular depth. I would recommend this book to a novice in sound recording if it weren't for the many terms that lack thorough explanation. It seems regrettable that what should have remained an introductory paper on the topic was artificially padded to become a book.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rather good book for an audiophile., April 30, 2000

By 

"kveen" - See all my reviews

This review is from: 5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running (Paperback)

So, I've finished to read this book yesterday. I think it's rather good one (note that one can find not enough titles to get an information about improving of 5.1 channel surround sound). For me this book is what I need and think that it worth to buy it...

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, Tom !, September 26, 2000

By 

Eric Axelson - See all my reviews

This review is from: 5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running (Paperback)

Excellent introduction to surround sound. Tom is definitely more than a great teacher and legendary figure that I had the opportunity to meet at the IIM-Paris (Institut International du Multimédia)... he's also a very good writer ! Buy his book, it's a great one !