Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment

With this definitive guide to sound reinforcement design and optimization, Bob McCarthy shares his expert knowledge and effective methodology developed from decades of field and teaching experience. This book is written for the field professional as well as the consultant or student, in a clear and easy-to-read style and illustrated with color diagrams and screenshots throughout. McCarthy's unique guide reveals the proven techniques to ensure that your sound system design can be optimized for maximum uniformity over the space. The book follows the audio signal path from the mix console to the audience and provides comprehensive information as to how the sound is spread over the listening area. The complex nature of the physics of speaker interaction over a listening space is revealed in terms readily understandable to audio professionals. Complex speaker arrays are broken down systematically and the means to design systems that are capable of being fully optimized for maximum spatial uniformity is shown.The methods of alignment are shown, including measurement mic placement, and step-by-step recipes for equalization, delay setting, level setting, speaker positioning and acoustic treatment. These principles and techniques are applicable to the simplest and most complex systems alike, from the single speaker to the multi-element "line array." * The first book devoted exclusively to the emerging field of sound system optimization using modern tools and practices. * Offers you expert guidance on the popular tools of the trade, including line arrays and digital signal processors * Color images and diagrams throughout aid understanding and clearly illustrate topics within the book

Table of Contents:
1. Transmission Transmission goals Audio Transmission defined Transmission Quantified Analog Audio Transmission Digital Audio Transmission Acoustic Transmission 2. Summation Properties of Audio Summation Response Ripple Acoustical Crossovers Speaker Arrays Speaker/Room Summation 3. Reception Loudness Localization Tonal, Spatial and Echo Perception Stereo Perception Amplified Sound Detection Microphone Reception 4. Evaluation Natural Sound vs. Amplified Sound Relating the worlds of Acousticians and Audio Engineers Moving Forward 5. Prediction Drawings Acoustic Modeling Programs 6. Variation The Minimum Variance Principles The Speaker/Room Link: Aspect Ratio The Proximity ratio Minimum Level Variance Minimum Spectral Variance Minimum Ripple Variance Subwoofer Arrays 7. Specification The principles of specification Channel/system types System subdivision Subsystem types The scalable design Array design procedures The diagonal plane Balcony battles Multi-channel systems 8. Examination Physical Measurement Tools Simple Audio Measurement Tools Complex Audio Measurement Tools 9. Verification Test structure Procedures Microphone verification Post calibration verification Additional considerations 10. Calibration Approaches to calibration Access to information Procedures Order of Operations Practical Applications Finishing the Process Ongoing Optimization

Review :
"Pro Audio needs more tools like this, well thought out, well researched and well written, a valuable tool!” - Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics "Writing a meaningful book on live sound loudspeaker system measurement & optimization is perhaps one the most daunting tasks one could ever dream up. Bob McCarthy has accomplished this and his new book provides very detailed guidelines for those of us who are involved in the design and commissioning of live sound loudspeaker systems." Tom Young Electroacoustic Design Services Bob's new book is not like other books on general sound system design. It focuses on loudspeakers and their interaction with each other, and the rooms they are installed in. The result is that the reader will not only have a clear idea of what the difficulties are in designing systems, but have at hand some well thought out suggestions on handling the exceptions. Recommended without reservation. Thorny (Alexander Yuill-Thornton II) Solstice Company Unlike the many other books that offer fine discourses on theory, this book also provides you the intellectual tools you need to make the tough calls in the field, when time is tight and things haven't gone exactly according to plan. Setting priorities is the hardest part and Bob McCarthy lays it out - loud and clear. Dave Clark, Engineering Harmonics Inc.