Understanding Audio 2nd Edition
Hal Leonard Book

Understanding Audio 2nd Edition

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Author: Daniel M. Thompson

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgment
Preface
CHAPTER 1: The Recording Studio: A Brief History and Overview
Early Recording
The Modern-Era (Post-1960s) Recording Studio
Basic Recording Studio Signal Flow
Recording Studios In The Digital Age
CHAPTER 2: Recording Studio Basics
The Recording Process
Sound Source
Recording Console/Mixer
Signal Processors
Signal Destinations
Summary
CHAPTER 3: Basic Symbols and Signal Flow: The Audio Map
Flowchart Basics
Symbols
Normalled Connections
Projects: Signal Flow Exercises
CHAPTER 4: Advanced Signal Flow: The Recording Console
Console Architecture
I/O Modules
Channel Path/Monitor Path
Master (Center) Section
Advanced Console Flow
Split Console
Digital Consoles/Mixers
Projects: Signal Flow Exercises
CHAPTER 5: The DAW: Working Inside the Box
DAW Systems Signal Flow
DAW Recording/Mixing Signal Flow
DAW Signal Metering
Projects: DAW Signal Flow
CHAPTER 6: Basic Acoustics: What Is Sound?
Sound And Vibration
Simple Harmonic Motion
Frequency And Period
Wavelength
Amplitude (Peak Vs. RMS)
Complex Sound (Fourier)
CHAPTER 7: Digital Audio: Every Little Bit Counts
A/D Conversion
D/A Process
Practical Complications With Digital Audio
High-Resolution Audio
Projects
CHAPTER 8: Audio Basics
Electricity
Ohm's Law
Impedance
AC Electrical Circuits
Grounding
Projects
CHAPTER 9: Advanced Audio: The Studio—Interconnections
Impedance
Matching Vs. Bridging Impedances
Balanced Vs. Unbalanced Connections
Cables And Interconnects
Ground Loops
System Noise Prevention
Projects
CHAPTER 10: Digital Studio Connections: Bit by Bit
Digital Cables
Digital Interface And Audio Transfer Protocols
Interconnections: Word Clock
Projects
CHAPTER 11: Digital Control Systems: Shall We Dance?
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIDI Connections
MIDI Data
MIDI System Setup
Software Synthesis: Virtual Instruments
MIDI Expanded For The 21st Century
Synchronization
Non-MIDI Digital Control Protocols
HUI
Project
CHAPTER 12: Analog Magnetic Recording: It's Only Tape
Analog Recording Process
Analog Tape Alignment
Alignment Procedure
Reference Levels
Noise Reduction
Transport
Projects
CHAPTER 13: Decibles: dB or Not dB?
Origins
Logarithms
Power And Intensity
Loudness
Bels And Decibels
Projects
CHAPTER 14: Sound Reference Levels: More dB
Sound Power Level (dB PWL)
Sound Intensity Level (SIL)
Sound Pressure Level (dB SPL)
Inverse Square Law
Electrical Power And Voltage
Origins Of 0 DB Reference Levels
Projects
CHAPTER 15: Psychoacoustics: Relating dB to What We Hear
The Audio Window
Equal Loudness Contours
Localization
Stereo Miking Techniques
Stereo Sound Reproduction
Masking
Projects
CHAPTER 16: The Audio Window: Relating What We Hear to the Gear
The Audio Window Revisited
Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Dynamic Range, Standard Operating Level (SOL), And Maximum Output Level (MOL)
Digital Signal Metering
The Loudness Wars
Harmonic Distortion
Frequency Response
Projects
CHAPTER 17: Gain Structures: Putting It All together
System Levels
Recording Gain Structure
Projects
CHAPTER 18: Studio and Listening Room Acoustics: Where It All Begins and Ends
Room Modes (Standing Waves)
Speaker Placement
Reflections (Reverberation)
Control Room Design
Reverberation Time (T60)
Room Treatment
Diffusion
Sound Isolation
Noise
Projects
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE
Reference Units
K-System Calibration Levels/K-Level Metering
Loudness Normalization Terms
Calculations
Common Frequency Ranges And Applications
Sound Level Measurement Weighting Factors
Industry-Compliant Noise Exposure Levels/Durations (OSHA Recommendations) [+5 DB Per Half Duration]
Clinically Safe Noise Exposure Levels/Durations (NIOSH Recommendations) [+3 DB Per Half Duration]
APPENDIX B: Bibliography
END NOTES
About the Author

Understanding Audio explores the fundamentals of audio and acoustics that impact every stage of the music recording process. Whether you are a musician setting up your first Pro Tools project studio, or you are a seasoned recording engineer or producer eager to find a reference that fills in the gaps in your understanding of audio, this book is for you.

Understanding Audio will enable you to develop a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of sound, and take some of the mystery and guesswork out of how equipment setup affects the quality of your recordings. Projects at the end of each chapter will assist you in applying these principles to your own recording environment.

Throughout the digital book you'll learn all about:

• Basic and advanced audio theory

• Cables and studio wiring

• Recording studio and console signal flow

• Digital and analog audio

• Studio and listening room acoustics

• Psychoacoustics

• “In the Studio” insights, relating audio principles to real recording situations

Build your audio foundation strong today!

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