Eargle's The Microphone Book, Second Edition: From Mono to Stereo to Surround - A Guide to Microphone Design and Application [Paperback]

John Eargle (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240519612 | ISBN-13: 978-0240519616 | Publication Date: November 24, 2004 | Edition: 2

The Microphone Book is the only guide you will ever need to the latest in microphone technology, application and technique. This new edition features, more on microphone arrays and wireless microphones; a new chapter on classic old models; the latest developments in surround; expanded advice on studio set up, recording and mic selection; improved layout for ease of reference; even more illustrations.

John Eargle provides detailed analysis of the different types of microphones available. He then addresses their application through practical examples of actual recording sessions and studio operations. Surround sound is covered from both a creative and a technical viewpoint.

This classic reference takes the reader into the studio or concert hall to see how performers are positioned and how the best microphone array is determined. Problem areas such as reflections, studio leakage and isolation are analyzed from practical viewpoints. Creative solutions to such matters as stereo sound staging, perspective, and balance are also covered in detail. Recording and sound reinforcement engineers at all levels of expertise will find The Microphone Book an invaluable resource for learning the 'why' as well as the 'how' of choosing a microphone for any situation.

* The most comprehensive guide available, heavily illustrated with helpful diagrams, charts and equations
* A timesaving, one-stop reference covering both microphone technology and practical tips on use and problem solving
* Written by a highly respected industry veteran and Grammy award winner

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this is a very interesting book which is well written and copiously illustrated with both graphs and pictures throughout. For anyone involved in using, specifying or manufacturing microphones this will prove an invaluable read." - Lighting and Sound International


"Besides being a "must-have" reference source for recording engineers, producers or anybody who desires to better understand and utilize mics, The Microphone Book is an engaging read from its first chapter on microphone history to the 21st chapter and Eargle's unique take on classic microphones and their influence on the art and science of recording...The Microphone Book is unique in its balance of broad and meticulously detailed practical information." - Music Connection magazine

Reviews for the previous edition:
"John has brought his successful experience in classical and other music recording to the book's many pages, and one can find the best microphone arrangements for nearly every conceivable situation and guides to proceed for the more unusual ones." - The American Organist

"John Eargle has prepared another useful book for audio system contractors, engineers, designers and enthusiasts."
Sound & Communications magazine

"Highly recommended for everyone who wants to know more. Read it."
Amazon.com customer review

"The Microphone Book will save you time and money, even if you only ever buy one microphone to use in a home studio. If you do live sound, record on location, or are kitting out a slightly more ambitious project studio, then this book will be invaluable. It takes you far further than the 'microphone' sections of general guides to studio recording."
Amazon.co.uk customer review

Book Description

The complete illustrated guide to microphone technology

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (November 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240519612
• ISBN-13: 978-0240519616
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #605,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very complete book, June 12, 2010

By 

Tommy Iversen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eargle's The Microphone Book, Second Edition: From Mono to Stereo to Surround - A Guide to Microphone Design and Application (Paperback)

This book seems to cover whatever one can think about when it comes to microphones and how they work. The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that it's not too easy to use as a reference when in a studio situation, as it is very technical. But if you are thinking about setting up a studio, and need to read up on microphones before setting up your shopping cart, this book is it

1.0 out of 5 stars buy something else - too many mistakes and bad editing, January 11, 2012

By 

whomper "speedball" (virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Microphone Book (Paperback)

.
disappointed in focal. that brand used to ensure high qualty. apparently no mas.
.
this could have been a good book for a high school or a trade school class or
good for home hobbyist to learn the basics of mikes
.
best summary that i have found for the design and construction of mikes
but since have recently found some other mike books that i hope will be as good
probably even better.

info is not adequate to design them ,but enough to understand why the design choices were made.

the mike factoids are summarised with a minimum of useless formula derivation.

the math is minimal, and the physics only alluded to.
.
i would recommend other books for the *use* of mikes and recording.
.
book has too many errors where text and pictures do not agree or are very confusing.

lots of references to see some CD that is not in the index and not included with the book. WTF!!! did the previous edition have a cd that got removed??

too many pictures are confusing and hard to understand even reading with the text slowly.

pictures are too often after teh reference. they should be before they are used or on the same visible pages.
.
i would like more about mikes and less on using mikes.

plenty of books cover the stereo miking techniques better;
as well as recording in general.
.
the book is a little dated.

but a more pertinent complaint is that it is superficial.
indeed, it is not a how to design text, it is an it is what it is
and how does it work tome with no real elaboration beyond the basics.

apparently there is now a 3rd edition that adds surround sound info. i wonder if it now included the CD or deleted those references ??

i would still prefer more about mikes and less on usage which is well covered by many other sources.

there are many excellent surround sound references on the web.
do not buy another book like this for that info.
.
you should know how to use a mike, which mike, and why after reading it.

but you are several graduate acoustic classes away from designing a mike,
andor even modifying one meaningfully as is so popular by some wannabe pro audio folks.
.
for what i got, the *used* price was a bit high. the new price would be totally unacceptable!

i do have several other how to use mike books, and one more about mikes themselves, with detailed info still to read. they cant be worse.

this book did teach me something that i did not know [and i am quite familiar with mikes in general and experienced with using mike and the various techniques for stereo] and was useful so maybe it is worth 1.5 - 2 stars. but the problems with diagrams and non existent references to some unnnamed CD with examples was too much to take today so i give this only 1 star because of the problems.
.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, September 18, 2011

By 

exinocactus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eargle's The Microphone Book, Second Edition: From Mono to Stereo to Surround - A Guide to Microphone Design and Application (Paperback)

It's a great practical book without much scientific content, however. I find it is quite good to quickly grasp an overview on the topic.