Since I just purchased it and have not dug in yet, I can’t yet recommend it, but wanted to pass along. I just bought Ethan Winer’s “The Audio Expert” (2nd Ed., 2018). Beware…this book is not casual reading. It’s 780 pages, with over 400 images, and looks to double as a college textbook. But, having spent a bit of time scrolling through, it’s chock full of a wide array of detailed information (hopefully useful info). As soon as I’m able to consume it, I’ll circle back with my thoughts & impressions. Given its value just strictly as a reference book, I’m very comfortable with the cost (just under $50 new).
There is an accompanying publisher website where you can view more info — www.theaudioexpertbook.com.
A description of the book from the website:
The Audio Expert is a comprehensive reference book covering all aspects of audio, with both practical and theoretical explanations. It’s written for people who want to understand audio at the deepest, most technical level, but without needing an engineering degree. The Audio Expert explains how audio really works in much more depth than usual, using common sense plain-English explanations and mechanical analogies, with minimal math. It uses an easy to read conversational tone, and includes more than 400 figures and photos to augment the printed text.
However, this book goes beyond merely explaining how audio works. It brings together the concepts of audio, aural perception, musical instrument physics, acoustics, and basic electronics, showing how they’re intimately related. It also describes in great detail many practices and techniques used by recording and mixing engineers, including video production and computers. This book is meant for intermediate to advanced recording engineers and audiophiles who want to become experts. There’s plenty for beginners too.
One unique feature is explaining how audio devices such as equalizers, compressors, and A/D converters work internally, and how they’re spec’d and tested, rather than merely describing how to use them. There’s plenty of myth-busting and consumerism too. The book doesn’t tell readers what brand power amplifier to buy, but it explains in great detail what defines a good amplifier so people can choose a first-rate model wisely without over-paying.
Most explanations throughout the book are platform-agnostic, applying equally to Windows and Mac computers, and to most software and hardware. Many audio and video examples are included to enhance the written text.
The new edition offers many updates and improvements throughout. New content expands the Acoustics and Electronics chapters, and includes sections about SPL meters, coding an equalizer, comparing microphone preamps, testing loudspeaker isolation devices, plus incorporated chapters on MIDI Basics, Computers, and Video Production. There’s also new audio myth-busting, and much more!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1 Audio Defined -
Chapter 1: Audio Basics
Chapter 2: Audio Fidelity, Measurements, and Myths
Chapter 3: Hearing, Perception, and Artifact Audibility
Chapter 4: Gozintas and Gozoutas
Part 2 Analog and Digital Recording, Processing, and Methods -
Chapter 5: Mixers, Buses, Routing, and Summing
Chapter 6: Recording Devices and Methods
Chapter 7: Mixing Devices and Methods
Chapter 8: Digital Audio Basics
Chapter 9: Dynamics Processors
Chapter 10: Frequency Processors
Chapter 11: Time Domain Processors
Chapter 12: Pitch and Time Manipulation Processors
Chapter 13: Other Audio Processors
Chapter 14: Synthesizers
Chapter 15: MIDI Basics
Part 3 Video Production -
Chapter 16: Video Production.
Part 4 Transducers -
Chapter 17: Microphones and Pickups
Chapter 18: Loudspeakers and Earphones.
Part 5 Room Acoustics, Treatment, and Monitoring -
Chapter 19: Acoustic Basics
Chapter 20: Room Shapes, Modes, and Isolation
Chapter 21: Acoustic Treatment
Chapter 22: Room Measuring
Part 6 Electronics and Computers -
Chapter 23: Basic Electronics in 60 Minutes
Chapter 24: Test Procedures
Chapter 25: Computers
Part 7 Musical Instruments -
Chapter 26: Musical Instruments
Any questions, or if anyone wants to borrow it when I’m done Lol, shoot me a msg.
Jim