Master Handbook of Acoustics

Overview

The goal of this book is to apply the principles of acoustics to the audio arts. This involves serving as an interpreter of major trends and the literature for students and practitioners in the audio field. Along with covering the more theoretical aspects of acoustics, the book applies the theory to the design of specialized audio spaces such as the home listening room, the control room, and the multi-track-recording studio.

Table of contents

1. Fundamentals of Sound
2. Sound Levels and the Decibel
3. The Ear and the Perception of Sound
4. Sound Waves in the Free Field
5. Speech, Music, and Noise
6. Analog and Digital Signal Processing
7. Reverberation
8. Control of Interfering Noise
9. Absorption of Sound
10. Reflection of Sound
11. Diffraction of Sound
12. Refraction of Sound
13. Diffusion of Sound
14. The Shroeder Diffusor
15. Modal Resonances in Enclosed Spaces
16. Reflections in Enclosed Spaces
17. Comb-filter Effects
18. Quiet Air for the Studio
19. Acoustics of the Listening Room
20. Acoustics of the Small Recording Studio
21. Acoustics of the Control Room
22. Acoustics for Multi-Track Recording
23. Audio/Video Tech Room for Voice-over Recording
24. Adjustable Acoustics
25. Acoustical Measurements and Calculations
Appendices

Biographical note

F. Alton Everest is a legend in the world of sound. The creator of numerous technical innovations, and the author of scores of books and scholarly papers, he has been a leader in television engineering, sound recording, motion pictures, radio, and multimedia. A co-founder and director of the Science Film Production division of the Moody Institute of Science, he was also a section chief of the Subsea Sound Research section of the University of California. An educator who has taught at several leading institutions, he has consulted on acoustics to numerous industries for nearly 30 years. Having touched many of the technical highlights of the 20th century, he celebrated his 90th birthday in 1999. He and his wife live in Santa Barbara, California.

Back cover copy

*2 complete chapters on acoustical software solutions*Full chapter on acoustical measurements and calculations*Added guidance on small recording and voice-over studios No one can touch the Master ...No other book even comes close to legendary acoustical scientist F. Alton Everest's Master Handbook of Acoustics for a friendly, practice-oriented tour of acoustical principles. This readable yet authoritative guide tenderizes a tough subject so that audio buffs can apply leading-edge acoustical thought and design in their own home recording studios and listening rooms.Keeping his target audience of hobbyists, electronics enthusiasts, and audiophiles always in mind, the author makes the science of sound interesting and understandable. Only someone who understands acoustics as well as Everest – Senior Member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, the Acoustical Society of America, and the IEEE -- could explain these principles so simply, informally, and with such relevance to home projects. Short on mathematical derivations and long on easy-reading translations of difficult technical subjects, F. Alton Everest's Master Handbook of Acoustics is a rewarding piece of prose that can help you elevate any audio project to a higher standard. An inexhaustible source of ideas, inspiration, and techniques, it's a classic work that every audiophile wants to own. This book is a true keeper.TURN SCIENCE INTO ART For the ultimate in custom sound For those who love electronics and high-end listening and recording, this book is the key to the kingdom, unlocking the theory that lets you:*Achieve professional recording results at home*Customize the perfect listening chamber*Build an audio/video tech room for state-of-the-art voice-over recording*Create "quiet air" in your home recording studio*Modify sound with adjustable acoustics•*Control reverberation, interference, and just plain noiseControl distortion in the air medium itselfWITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM--Geoff Goacher, Acoustical Research AssociatesPeter D'Antonio, President & CEO, RPG Diffusor Systems