The Audio Expert, 2nd Edition

Chapter 19

Acoustic Basics

Most budget electronic gear these days is very high quality, letting you create first-rate music that sounds as good as anything on the radio. Yet, many recording enthusiasts, unhappy with the quality of their productions, wrongly blame their gear. Of course, talent and experience matter more than anything else, but so does working in a good acoustic environment. While it may be possible to create a great mix in an untreated room, it’s difficult and often frustrating. After all, if you can’t hear accurately, it’s impossible to know what mix elements need adjusting. This chapter explains the basics of acoustics and room setup using plain English with minimal math. Although much of the focus is on recording studios, especially ...