book

Sound and Recording, 5th Edition

by Francis Rumsey, Tim Mccormick

November 2012

Intermediate to advanced

570 pages

19h 21m

English

Focal Press

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Cover
Halftitle
Title
Copyright
Contents
Fact File Directory
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the Third Edition
Preface to the Fourth Edition
Preface to the Fifth Edition

Chapter 1: What is sound?
A vibrating sourceCharacteristics of a sound waveHow sound travels in airSimple and complex soundsFrequency spectra of repetitive soundsFrequency spectra of non-repetitive soundsPhaseSound in electrical formDisplaying the characteristics of a sound waveThe decibelSound power and sound pressureFree and reverberant fieldsStanding wavesRecommended further reading
Chapter 2: Auditory perception
The hearing mechanismFrequency perceptionLoudness perceptionPractical implications of equal-loudness contoursSpatial perceptionRecommended further reading
Chapter 3: Microphones
The moving-coil or dynamic microphoneThe ribbon microphoneThe capacitor or condenser microphoneDirectional responses and polar diagramsSpecialised microphone typesSwitchable polar patternsStereo microphonesMicrophone performanceMicrophone powering optionsRadio microphonesRecommended further reading
Chapter 4: Loudspeakers
The moving-coil loudspeakerOther loudspeaker typesMounting and loading drive unitsComplete loudspeaker systemsActive loudspeakersSubwoofersLoudspeaker performanceSetting up loudspeakersRecommended further reading
Chapter 5: Mixers
A simple six-channel mixerA multitrack mixerChannel groupingAn overview of typical mixer facilitiesDigital mixersEQ explainedStereo line input modulesDedicated monitor mixerIntroduction to mixing approachesBasic operational techniquesTechnical specificationsMetering systemsAutomationRecommended further reading
Chapter 6: Analogue recording
A short history of analogue recordingMagnetic tapeThe magnetic recording processThe tape recorderTrack formatsMagnetic recording levelsWhat are test tapes for?Tape machine alignmentMechanical transport functionsThe Compact CassetteRecommended further reading
Chapter 7: Noise reduction
Why is noise reduction required?Methods of reducing noiseLine-up of noise reduction systemsOperational considerationsSingle-ended noise reductionRecommended further reading
Chapter 8: Digital audio principles
Digital and analogue recording contrastedBinary for beginnersThe digital audio signal chainAnalogue to digital conversionD/A conversionDirect Stream Digital (DSD)Changing the resolution of an audio signal (requantisation)Introduction to digital signal processingAudio data reductionRecommended further reading
Chapter 9: Digital recording and editing systems
Digital tape recordingDisk-based systemsSound file formatsConsumer digital formatsSolid state recording formatsAudio processing for computer workstationsDisk-based editing system principlesRecommended further reading
Chapter 10: Digital audio applications
Editing softwarePlug-in architecturesAdvanced audio processing software and development toolsMastering and restorationPreparing for and understanding release mediaInterconnecting digital audio devicesRecommended further readingWebsites
Chapter 11: Power amplifiers
Domestic power amplifiersProfessional amplifier facilitiesSpecificationsCoupling
Chapter 12: Lines and interconnection
TransformersUnbalanced linesCable effects with unbalanced linesBalanced linesWorking with balanced linesStar-quad cableElectronic balancing100 volt lines600 ohmsDI boxesSplitter boxesJackfields (patchbays)Distribution amplifiers
Chapter 13: Outboard equipment
The graphic equaliserThe compressor/limiterEcho and reverb devicesMulti-effects processorsFrequency shifterDigital delayMiscellaneous devicesConnection of outboard devicesRecommended further reading
Chapter 14: MIDI and synthetic audio control
BackgroundWhat is MIDI?MIDI and digital audio contrastedBasic principlesInterfacing a computer to a MIDI systemHow MIDI control worksMIDI control of sound generatorsGeneral MIDIScalable polyphonic MIDI (SPMIDI)RMID and XMF filesSAOL and SASL in MPEG 4 Structured AudioMIDI and synchronisationMIDI over USBMIDI over IEEE 1394After MIDI?Recommended further readingWebsites
Chapter 15: Timecode and synchronisation
SMPTE/EBU timecodeRecording timecodeSynchronisersRecommended further reading
Chapter 16: Two-channel stereo
Principles of loudspeaker stereoPrinciples of binaural or headphone stereoLoudspeaker stereo over headphones and vice versaTwo-channel signal formatsTwo-channel microphone techniquesBinaural recording and ‘dummy head’ techniquesSpot microphones and two-channel panning lawsRecommended further reading
Chapter 17: Surround sound
Three-channel (3-0) stereoFour-channel surround (3-1 stereo)5.1 channel surround (3-2 stereo)Other multichannel configurationsSurround sound systemsMatrixed surround sound systemsDigital surround sound formatsAmbisonicsSurround sound monitoringSurround sound recording techniquesMultichannel panning techniquesRecommended further reading
Glossary of terms
Appendix 1: Understanding basic equipment specifications
Frequency response – technicalFrequency response – practical examplesHarmonic distortion – technicalHarmonic distortion – practical examplesDynamic range and signal-to-noise ratioWow and flutterIntermodulation (IM) distortionCrosstalk
Appendix 2: Record players
Pickup mechanicsRIAA equalisationCartridge typesConnecting leadsArm considerationsLaser pickupsRecommended further reading
General further reading
Index

Overview

This best-selling book introduces you to the principles of sound, perception, audio technology and systems. Whilst offering vital reading for audio students and trainee engineers, this guide is ideal for anyone concerned with audio, sound and recording, beginners and professionals alike.

Comprehensive and easy to understand, this fifth edition is bang up to date, with expanded information on digital audio principles, systems and applications, as well as an extensively updated chapter on MIDI and synthetic audio control.

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
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