"Following in the footsteps of classic audio books by Don Davis and Gary Davis, we feel this reference work by Chris and John will become the new standard for audio professionals, educators and enthusiasts," says Michael MacDonald, president of JBL Professional. "John and Chris have over 70 years of audio experience between them. They pass along their knowledge in a way that is very deep and technical, but still readable and easy to understand."
The 29-chapter book falls into four broad sections. Section One, ‘Fundamentals’, discusses the basics of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, electrical concepts and digital processing. The information in this section supports the topics in later sections. Section Two, ‘System Components’ is concerned with the equipment used, including microphones, consoles, amplifiers, signal processing and loudspeakers. This section is also the first in a book such as this to cover computer-based system control.
Section Three, ‘System Design’, is about the technical as well as practical sides of system design. System layout, specifications, analysis and design are covered, as well as how to develop comprehensive customer-based analysis of their goals and expectations. Section Four, ‘Applications’, ties it all together with detailed descriptions of several types of sound systems for tour, houses of worship, auditoriums, sports facilities and other usages. Six appendices follow this chapter.
John Eargle is senior director of product development and application for JBL Professional. He is the author of several books on audio and recording. Eargle received a Grammy Award in 2001 and a Scientific and Technical Award in 2002 from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Chris Foreman is vice-president of marketing for Electronic Contracting. He has over 30 years of experience in pro audio as a sound contractor, consultant and manufacturer. He is widely published and a former editor of Sound & Communications magazine.
JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement (ISBN 0-634-04355-2) is available at music and bookstores nationwide, or through Music Dispatch (1-800-637-2852, www.musicdispatch.com).
(Lee Baldock)
