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Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment
 
 

Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment [Paperback]

Bob McCarthy (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)


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Sound Systems: Design and Optimization, Second Edition: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment Sound Systems: Design and Optimization, Second Edition: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment 5.0 out of 5 stars (4)
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Book Description

0240520203 978-0240520209 February 19, 2007
With this definitive guide to sound reinforcement design and optimization, Bob McCarthy shares his expert knowledge and effective methodology developed from decades of field and teaching experience. This book is written for the field professional as well as the consultant or student, in a clear and easy-to-read style and illustrated with color diagrams and screenshots throughout. McCarthy's unique guide reveals the proven techniques to ensure that your sound system design can be optimized for maximum uniformity over the space.

The book follows the audio signal path from the mix console to the audience and provides comprehensive information as to how the sound is spread over the listening area. The complex nature of the physics of speaker interaction over a listening space is revealed in terms readily understandable to audio professionals. Complex speaker arrays are broken down systematically and the means to design systems that are capable of being fully optimized for maximum spatial uniformity is shown.
The methods of alignment are shown, including measurement mic placement, and step-by-step recipes for equalization, delay setting, level setting, speaker positioning and acoustic treatment. These principles and techniques are applicable to the simplest and most complex systems alike, from the single speaker to the multi-element "line array."

* The first book devoted exclusively to the emerging field of sound system optimization using modern tools and practices.
* Offers you expert guidance on the popular tools of the trade, including line arrays and digital signal processors
* Color images and diagrams throughout aid understanding and clearly illustrate topics within the book


Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pro Audio needs more tools like this, well thought out, well researched and well written, a valuable tool!" - Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics

"Writing a meaningful book on live sound loudspeaker system measurement & optimization is perhaps one the most daunting tasks one could ever dream up. Bob McCarthy has accomplished this and his new book provides very detailed guidelines for those of us who are involved in the design and commissioning of live sound loudspeaker systems." Tom Young Electroacoustic Design Services

Bob's new book is not like other books on general sound system design. It focuses on loudspeakers and their interaction with each other, and the rooms they are installed in. The result is that the reader will not only have a clear idea of what the difficulties are in designing systems, but have at hand some well thought out suggestions on handling the exceptions. Recommended without reservation. Thorny (Alexander Yuill-Thornton II) Solstice Company

Unlike the many other books that offer fine discourses on theory, this book also provides you the intellectual tools you need to make the tough calls in the field, when time is tight and things haven't gone exactly according to plan. Setting priorities is the hardest part and Bob McCarthy lays it out - loud and clear. Dave Clark, Engineering Harmonics Inc.

Book Description

Written by the industry leader Optimized Design is a ‘cookbook’ from the master chef of this field

Product Details

  • Paperback: 528 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press (February 19, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0240520203
  • ISBN-13: 978-0240520209
  • Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,169,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Bob has boiled vast science down to usable building blocks, May 20, 2007
By 
Chris Gille "Papa Audio" (Willow Creek, S. Barrington, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment (Paperback)
This is a beautifully-written book. We have had the oportunity to work with Bob several times leading up to the release of the book. From pioneering measurement and analysis methods to identifying themes among system allignment scenerios most common in the field, Bob is thurough, complete, methodical, and passionate about the laws and facts of physics. This book captures the gammut of his scientific adventure, from nuts and bolts too deep to absorb in one reading, to rules-of-thumb and cheat-sheets that will give you instant insight into the invisible.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best single resource for sound system optimization, February 10, 2007
This review is from: Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment (Paperback)
When I heard about this new book from Bob McCarthy I had to have it. It is well written and fun to read. Anyone serious about sound system optimization will own this book. Sure to be requred text for all future training courses in live sound schools, Sound Systems: Design and Optimization, joins Sound System Engineering, and the Sound Reinforcement Handbook as a must read for sound system engineers.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable and entertaining, March 16, 2008
By 
J. LeBrecht (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment (Paperback)
What surprised me most about this book was how readable it was. OK, I know it's not going on Oprah's book club list, but I was expecting a book that I wouldn't be able to understand beyond certain basics. Kind of like my 10th grade math book. But the way McCarthy works his way through the subject was well organized, clear AND at time humorous. I think that it's an excellent book that most sound engineers are going to want on their bookshelf.
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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
ripple variance, combing zone, spatial crossover, equal level contours, minimum spectral variance, order spkrs, uncoupled arrays, coverage bow, splay angle, minimum level variance, offset summation, acoustic crossover, sonic image distortion, source design procedure, point source array, line source array, angular isolation, asymmetric point source, combined beamwidth, measurement access points, subwoofer arrays, maximum acceptable variance, multiway systems, summation zones, panoramic placement
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Zone Key, Measurement Ray, Meyer Sound, Use Procedure, Alexander Yuill-Thornton, Alexander Yuill-Thorntoi, Coupling Speaker, Hey Zoid, Earlier Louder, Line Beam, Measurement Setup, Offset Source, Summation Signal, François Berge, Initial Equalization Channel, Measurement Hi Res Ray, Order High Freq, Order Mid Freq, Prediction Frequency Resolution, Preservation Society, Sam Berkow, Summed Signal Signal, Unity Hover
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