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

~ (Author) "To better understand audio in the context of recording and the recording studio, we must understand the process first..." (more)
Key Phrases: console signal flow, multitrack returns, two inner conductors, Ohm's Law, Pro Tools, Detailed Specification (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Explores the fundamentals of audio and acoustics that impact every stage of the music-making process. A perfect book whether you are a musician setting up your first ProTools project studio or you are a seasoned recording professional eager to find one volume that will fill in the gaps of your audio knowledge.

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; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634009591
• ISBN-13: 978-0634009594
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,824 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 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 (Oakbrook Terrace, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

8 of 9 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

8 of 9 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

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.