Mastering Audio, Second Edition: The art and the science (Paperback)

~ Bob Katz (Author) "This chapter is about the philosophy of mastering and the mastering engineer's approach to audio..." (more)
Key Phrases: consumer bitstream, acoustic phase cancellation, new dither, Sonic Solutions, Jim Johnston, Ear Training Exercise (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The definitive work on mastering...an indispensable resource for anyone working with audio. If you only buy one book on audio, this has to be it - it should be required reading for anyone involved with recording, producing or mastering music."
-Sound on Sound magazine --Sound on Sound magazine

"The definitive work on mastering...an indispensable resource for anyone working with audio... If you only buy one book on audio, this has to be it - it should be required reading for anyone involved with recording, producing or mastering music."
Sound on Sound magazine

"As one of the most complete books on the final stage in the recording process...this book clears up any potential misconceptions for newbies and veterans alike." Electronic Musician Magazine, July 2003

"This book is sure to become the 'Industry Bible' on mastering audio. Highly recommended. --Electronic Musician Magazine, July 2003

Review

"The definitive work on mastering...an indispensable resource for anyone working with audio. If you only buy one book on audio, this has to be it - it should be required reading for anyone involved with recording, producing or mastering music."
-Sound on Sound magazine

"After reading it, you will likely consider this book to be required reading for all audio professionals, regardless of technical background, who are interested in creating better sounding audio. I know that I do." - Jim Kaiser, Journal of the AES, March 2008

"I just received my book in the mail. Bob, you did a great job with the 2nd edition. This version does not read as clinical as the first edition making it an easier read. I really like the layout and updated info you put in the book."
- Glenn Bucci, Revelation Sound Studio

"Aimed at intermediate to advanced users, what sets this book apart is the liberal inclusion of practical tips, and the author's ability to be authoritative without being didactic. Even if you already do mastering, this book will help you do it better."
- Craig Anderton (editor of EQ magazine)

"I have no reservations when I recommend that every engineer working with audio purchase a copy of Mastering Audio."
- Tape Op Magazine, March/April 2008


"If you want to know what goes on behind the scenes in recording the music you enjoy; and learn more about digital audio, this comprehensive, insightful, and accessible book is without peer."
-Absolute Sound (Oct. 2007)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (October 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240808371
• ISBN-13: 978-0240808376
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,234 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This has it all, June 28, 2003

By	"measuringman" (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (Paperback)

Finally a book that answers all those weird little technical questions about digital audio that you've always wondered about. Obstensibly it is a book about the art of mastering audio. Bob shows you what tools the pros use and how they use them. It also doubles as a guide to mix enginners on how to prepare a mix for mastering. It does a superb job in that regard as well. What I find most impressive is his knowledge of the technical aspects of digital audio and his ability to explain them, and debunk any myths, in plain english. The only fault I can find in it is that the second half looses focus and is more a collection of articles, previously available on the web, than any coherent instruction. Otherwise this book has valuable information for anyone working with digital audio. I highly recommend it.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Book on Mastering from The Master, July 25, 2003

By	Den Hollinden (Rosslyn, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (Paperback)

Up until now, I've read books by authors who fall into one of the following categories: 1) musicians 2) traditional, primarily analog audio engineers 3) acoustic scientists or 4) audio computer applications specialists. Getting meaningful information from one of these authors requires my own extrapolation into the remaining areas--or at least taking the authors comments in those areas with a grain of salt. FINALLY I have in my hands a book written by someone who can put it all together into a meaningful whole. The book is a wonderful blend of descriptions of how things work that will take you to the next level along with some very valuable common sense advice-like how to effectively sequence songs into an album. I'll keep this book in my studio and refer back to it again and again. Probably the best (but also the most honest) thing I can say about the book is that I know I will sound better because of having read it.

43 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stay away from it if you are looking for hard-and-fast rules, July 1, 2004

By	Nicolas Raddatz "Media Artist" (Montevideo, Uruguay) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (Paperback)

I bought this book after reading many good reviews. After reading it, I would say that it is indeed a very interesting book, there are a lot of "obscure areas" that the author dares to tackle, with a remarkable "scientific" approach.

BUT, before you buy this book...It's not a "funny" reading, you should get this book if you are already familiar with all the technical subjects covered, the author seems to assume a certain previous knowledge, otherwise you won't go past chapter 1. AND, for all of you cookbook lovers, forget it, you are not bound to find those here.

That being said, I have it, and I like it. I'll probably re read it sometime in the future.