Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio [Paperback]

Daniel M. Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Understanding Audio explores the fundamentals of audio and acoustics that impact every stage of the music recording process. Whether you are a musician setting up your first Pro Tools project studio, or you are a seasoned recording engineer or producer eager to find a reference that fills in the gaps in your understanding of audio, this book is for you. Understanding Audio will enable you to develop a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of sound, and take some of the mystery and guesswork out of how equipment setup affects the quality of your recordings. Projects at the end of each chapter will assist you in applying these principles to your own recording environment. Learn about: *Basic and Advanced audio theory *Cables and studio wiring *Recording studio and console signal flow *Digital and analog audio *Studio and listening room acoustics *Psychoacoustics *"In the Studio" insights, relating audio principles to real recording situations About the Author Daniel M. Thompson is Assistant Chair of Music Production and Engineering at Berklee College of Music. An independent writer/producer and recording engineer, his credits include work for major films and television including ER and The Sopranos. He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). BUZZ "This is probably the best primer on recording fundamentals and techniques that I've ever read. I wish I had a book that was this comprehensive when I started my career. It's simple and easy to understand, and the diagrams are perfect. From basic audio principles to current digital technology, this book has something to offer everybody in the industry. This book should be a requirement for every entry-level engineering student." -Elliot Scheiner, Multi-Grammy-winning engineer and producer (Steely Dan, The Eagles, Sting) "A must for the musician/producer with a home studio. One of the best 'how-to' books available to help put you on the path toward fulfilling your career goals." -Don Puluse, Recording engineer (Chicago, Sly & the Family Stone, Billy Joel) "Presents clear explanations of technical audio topics ranging from microphones to loudspeakers. It concisely delivers the goods that you will need to make better audio recordings. Be sure to thank Thompson when you pick up your Grammy." -Ken Pohlmann, Author, Director of Music Engineering Technology, University of Miami-Florida

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Daniel M. Thompson is Assistant Chair of Music Production and Engineering at Berklee College of Music. An independent writer/producer and recording engineer, his credits include work for major films and television including ER and The Sopranos. He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Berklee Press (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634009591
• ISBN-13: 978-0634009594
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Recording & Sound

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will understand audio after reading this book., June 26, 2005

By 

J. K. Burkhardt (Orlando, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio (Paperback)

Begin (and end) your quest for audio knowledge as it relates to a studio and modern recording with one book. It delivers what the title promises, an understanding of audio (even if you're not building a studio). I found UNDERSTANDING AUDIO an immensly practical and comprehensive volume explaining "everything you needed to know about audio", whether you're a layman, student or professional. From start to finish, the explanations of concepts, processes, and technical definitions were abundantly clear and free of unnecessary techno-babble. This is used as a text at Boston's Berklee College of Music, but don't let that scare you, rather embrace it. (especially since you won't have to pay the tuition fee) The writing is concise with well chosen words and the information is top notch stuff. Designed to give you a complete overview of the various and interactive components of "audio", it more than does so and in my opinion, better than any other comparable book on the market today at any price.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Guide!, April 4, 2005

By 

Kristofer Rodgers (Standish, ME USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio (Paperback)

Through friends I heard about Berklee Press' books and decided to check out a few titles at the local bookstore. I was very impressed and requested a catalog, and in the catalog I found Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio. Being a novice in the sound recording world, I decided to risk the $25 and buy the book. Let me tell you it was $25 well spent. This book explains, in a very understandable way, basic and advanced audio techniques. One thing I found most useful was it explained how putting a microphone at different angles produces a different type of sound. It also goes as far as showing the history of recording studios and their technology. This was a perfect book for me because it is not only a handbook for intermediate to advanced level sound engineers, but it also serves as a beginners guide to sound as well. The graphic examples are extremely accurate and helpful, and the in depth detail of every topic is excellent. This is a great book for anyone currently working or planning on working in the recording field.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Build a Better Sound, February 1, 2005

By 

Damien White - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio (Paperback)

I recently embarked on the adventure of transforming my basement into a functioning recording studio. Shortly after beginning the process I realized I was way in over my head. However, after reading "Understanding Audio", all of my questions have been answered. After providing you with a basis for understanding how sound works, Thompson gives several suggestions and techniques for setting up your equipment for optimal sound quality. Project guidelines are given at the end of each chapter which help you apply the techniques discussed. I'm happy to say that my studio is nearly finished and I am thoroughly pleased with the sound quality it is producing. I definitely recommend this book to anyone thinking about building their own studio, or for anyone who is interested in learning more about the way sound works.