Sound Engineering Explained, Second Edition [Paperback]

Michael Talbot-Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240516672 | ISBN-13: 978-0240516677 | Publication Date: November 13, 2001 | Edition: 2

This straightforward introduction to audio techniques guides the beginner through principles such as sound waves and basic acoustics and offers practical advice for using recording and reproduction equipment. Previously known as Audio Explained, this latest edition includes new material on: reverberation and its use in recording; principles of digital mixing; digital recording; including MiniDisc and MP3; digital artificial reverberation.

Designed with the student in mind, information is organised according to level of difficulty. An understanding of the basic principles is essential to anyone wishing to make successful recordings and so chapters are split into two parts: the first introducing the basic theories in a non-technical way; the second dealing with the subject in more depth. Key facts are clearly identified in separate boxes and further information for the more advanced reader is indicated in shaded boxes. In addition, questions are provided (with answers supplied at the end of the book) as a teaching and learning aid.

Sound Engineering Explained is ideal for both serious audio amateurs any student studying audio for the first time, in particular those preparing for Part One exams of the City & Guilds Sound Engineering (1820) course.


Learn from the beginning about audio techniquesClearly written for ease of understandingCovers the latest advances in technology to keep you completely informed

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In all, the book promotes a good understanding of the principles and precesses involved with recording or reproducing audio, in a well written manner by an author who has obviously trodden the road many times."
Lighting & Sound

'I highly recommend this book to students preparing for Part 1 of the City & Guilds programme in Sound Engineering (1820).'
John Mizzi

Reviews of the previous edition:

'...a light, informative and well-crafted book.'
A teacher of sound recording

'This is one of those books that tells you a little more than you thought you knew, even if you thought you knew quite a bit! There are also some good sections where the author politely and effectively debunks possible preconceptions that readers might have...Recommended.'
Journal of Educational Media, 1999

From the Publisher

Designed with the student in mind, information is organized according to level of difficulty. An understanding of the basic principles is essential to anyone wishing to make successful recordings therefore chapters are split into two parts: the first introducing the basic theories in a non-technical way; the second dealing with the subject more in depth. Key facts are clearly identified in separate boxes and further information for the more advanced reader is indicated in shaded boxes. In addition, questions are provided (with answers supplied at the end of the book) as a teaching and learning aid.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (November 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240516672
• ISBN-13: 978-0240516677
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #918,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very comprehensive book..., January 29, 2006

By 

Vicnts4 "Victor" (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sound Engineering Explained, Second Edition (Paperback)

This book gives a very good insight as to the different aspects of sound engineering in a semi technical albeit basic approach. The various theories like microphones, stereo, mixing, PA, basic acoustics and the like are covered here. It is a more practical approach to engineering, where many of the details wouldn't help in a real recording session. Geeks would be better looking for some other title as the details aren't very technical in a numbers and facts sort of way, it is more of a descriptive style.
This would be a great primer for sound engineering students. Overall I think I got the idea as to what are the specifics that are required to be known in order to be a sound engineer.