The Sound System Design Primer

Description

The Sound System Design Primer is an introduction to the many topics, technologies, and sub-disciplines that make up contemporary sound systems design. Written in clear, conversational language for those who do not have an engineering background, or who think more in language than in numbers, The Sound System Design Primer provides a solid foundation in this expanding discipline for students, early/mid-career system designers, creative and content designers seeking a better grasp on the technical side of things, and non-sound professionals who want or need to be able to speak intelligently with sound system designers. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of Figures Preface: Why This Book? Who Is This Book For? Acknowledgments Introduction: What This Book Does and How It Works A Note on Safety Part I What Is a Sound System? Section I Basics Chapter 1 The Four Standard Elements of the Analog Sound System Chapter 2 The Four Standard Elements of the Digital Sound System Chapter 3 What Is Sound?—Part 1: Acoustic Version Chapter 4 What Is Sound?—Part 2: Electric Version Chapter 5 What Is Sound?—Part 3: Digital Version Section II Inputs Chapter 6 Microphones (Wired) Chapter 7 Microphones (Wireless) Chapter 8 Direct Inputs (Instruments, Turntables, Etc.) Chapter 9 Playback Devices and Systems Section III Processing Chapter 10 Preamplifiers and Mixing Consoles Chapter 11 Effects—Part 1: Creative and Mixing Effects Chapter 12 DSP: Digital Signal Processing Chapter 13 Effects—Part 2: System Calibration Effects Section IV Amplification Chapter 14 Power Math Chapter 15 Power Amplifiers: Plus a Note on Power Conditioners, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, and Distros Section V Outputs Chapter 16 Speakers Chapter 17 Monitoring Systems Section VI Computers and Sound Chapter 18 Networks and Connectivity Chapter 19 Show Control Chapter 20 Triggers, Sensors, and Customization Section VII Communication Systems Chapter 21 Audio Com Systems Chapter 22 Paging Systems Chapter 23 Video Com: We Know It’s Not Audio, But It’s Almost Always Our Job Anyway! Section VIII Connections Chapter 24 Cable Types and Their Uses Part II How Do You Set Up, Test, and Calibrate a Basic Sound System? Section IX Installation Chapter 25 Signal Flow, From Installation to Verification Chapter 26 Testing and Troubleshooting Section X Calibration Chapter 27 Measurement Tools and Systems Chapter 28 Measurement Practices, System Calibration, and Optimization Chapter 29 Acoustic Treatments and Other Solutions Part III What Type of Sound System Do You Need? Section XI The Basic Process of System Design Chapter 30 Understanding the Source Material Chapter 31 Understanding the Venue Chapter 32 Understanding the Audience Chapter 33 Understanding the Budget and Available Resources Chapter 34 Selecting Loudspeakers and Positions: Loudspeaker Modeling Chapter 35 Selecting the Remaining Equipment and Plan for Operation Chapter 36 Refining Your Choices Section XII The Different Types of Sound System Chapter 37 Concerts, Small Scale Chapter 38 Concerts, Large Scale, and Festivals Chapter 39 Theater—Straight Plays Chapter 40 Theater—Musicals Chapter 41 Conventions and Other Multi-room Live Events Chapter 42 Performing Arts Venues and Houses of Worship for Permanent Installation Chapter 43 Supermarkets, Airports, and Other Retail Spaces Chapter 44 Theme Parks, Cruise Ships, Casinos, and Other Themed Environments Chapter 45 Recording/Mixing/Mastering Studios (Project and Commercial) for Music, Film, Etc: Including a Brief Note on Sound Stages for Visual Media Chapter 46 Corporate Offices, Hotels, Restaurants, and Other Architectural Environments Chapter 47 Creative Systems: Multimedia Art Galleries, New Media, New Uses Part IV How Do You Document and Present Your Design? Section XIII Technical Drawing Chapter 48 Basic Technical Drawing Standards: Organizing and Labeling, Drawing Setup, Notes on Computer Drafting, Etc. Chapter 49 Plan and Elevation Views: Including Rack Elevations Chapter 50 System Block Diagrams: Audio, Control, Network Risers Chapter 51 Mounting Details Chapter 52 Magic Sheets Section XIV Other Technical Documentation Chapter 53 Hookups and Workbooks Chapter 54 Equipment (Hardware, Cable, RF, IP, Etc.) Schedules and Facilities Impact Reports Chapter 55 Budget Documents Chapter 56 Technical Narratives Chapter 57 Presentation Packaging: to Clients, Bidders, and Integrators Section XV Presenting Your Work to Paying Clients Chapter 58 First Presentations Chapter 59 Revisions and Value Engineering Chapter 60 Finalizing and Signing Off Afterword: What Comes Next—A Path Forward for the System Designer Bibliography and Further Reading Index