This book presents an extensive and timely survey of more than 30 surround and 20 stereo-microphone techniques. Further, it offers, for the first time, an explanation of why the RCA "Living Stereo" series of legacy recordings from the 1950s and 60s is still appreciated by music lovers worldwide, despite their use of an apparently incorrect recording technique from the perspective of psychoacoustics. Discussing this aspect in detail, the book draws on the author’s study of concert hall acoustics and psychoacoustics. The book also analyzes the "fingerprint" features of a selected number of surround and – more importantly – stereo microphone techniques in depth by measuring their signal cross-correlation over frequency and also using an artificial human head. In addition, the book presents a rating of microphone techniques based on the assessment of various acoustic attributes, and merges the results of several subjective listening tests, including those conducted by other researchers. Building on this knowledge, it provides fresh insights into important microphone system features, from stereo to 3D audio. Moreover, it describes new microphone techniques, such as AB-PC, ORTF-T and BPT, and the recently defined BQIrep (Binaural Quality Index of reproduced music). Lastly, the book concludes with a short history of microphone techniques and case studies of live and studio recordings.

This professional book offers a unique, comprehensive and timely guide on 3D audio recording. Intended for sound engineers and professionals, and summarizing more than twenty-year research on this topic, it includes extensive information and details on various microphone techniques and loudspeaker layouts, such as Auro-3D®, Dolby® AtmosTM, DTS:X®, MMAD, SONY 360 Reality Audio and Ambisonics. It presents a rich set of results obtained from both objective measurements and subjective listening tests, and a number of case studies for 3D recording, ranging from solo-instrument techniques to full symphony orchestra, and microphone systems for virtual reality applications. Further, it includes a chapter on spatial hearing discussing issues of 3D audio sound reproduction. All in all, this book offers extensive, practical information for sound engineers and professionals.

Immersive Sound: The Art and Science of Binaural and Multi-Channel Audio provides a comprehensive guide to multi-channel sound. With contributions from leading recording engineers, researchers, and industry experts, Immersive Sound includes an in-depth description of the physics and psychoacoustics of spatial audio as well as practical applications. Chapters include the history of 3D sound, binaural reproduction over headphones and loudspeakers, stereo, surround sound, height channels, object-based audio, soundfield (ambisonics), wavefield synthesis, and multi-channel mixing techniques. Knowledge of the development, theory, and practice of spatial and multi-channel sound is essential to those advancing the research and applications in the rapidly evolving fields of 3D sound recording, augmented and virtual reality, gaming, film sound, music production, and post-production.

Sound engineering is one of the fastest-growing branches of music production. The need for a broad-based discussion on the issues constituting the art of sound engineering persists and loses none of its relevance, revealing that sound engineering should not be investigated only in the mathematical and physical context (musical acoustics) or the engineering aspect (signal processing and modification). Publications targeted primarily at musicians are few and far between, which is why the mutual understanding for different priorities which effectively concern the same issues faced by the engineer, the acoustician and the musician, seems to be a complex problem and the main concept explored in this publication. This book is intended for musicians or sound directors, but also acousticians and sound engineers wishing to learn how the musicians think. The monograph is also addressed to musicians who intend to record their material in the studio in the near future, but do not possess knowledge on studio construction, studio workflow or the art of recording. It seems important to familiarize the musicians with the reality that awaits them on the other side of the glass, thus fostering their responsibility for the work jointly produced by them – entering the studio – and the sound director.

The Microphone Book is the only guide you will ever need to the latest in microphone technology, application and technique. This new edition features, more on microphone arrays and wireless microphones; a new chapter on classic old models; the latest developments in surround; expanded advice on studio set up, recording and mic selection; improved layout for ease of reference; even more illustrations. John Eargle provides detailed analysis of the different types of microphones available. He then addresses their application through practical examples of actual recording sessions and studio operations. Surround sound is covered from both a creative and a technical viewpoint. This classic reference takes the reader into the studio or concert hall to see how performers are positioned and how the best microphone array is determined. Problem areas such as reflections, studio leakage and isolation are analyzed from practical viewpoints. Creative solutions to such matters as stereo sound staging, perspective, and balance are also covered in detail. Recording and sound reinforcement engineers at all levels of expertise will find The Microphone Book an invaluable resource for learning the 'why' as well as the 'how' of choosing a microphone for any situation.

Explores the principles and practical considerations of spatial sound recording and reproduction. Particular emphasis is given to the increasing importance of multichannel surround sound and 3D audio, including binaural approaches, without ignoring conventional stereo. The enhancement of spatial quality is arguably the only remaining hurdle to be overcome in pursuit of high quality sound reproduction. The rise of increasingly sophisticated spatial sound systems presents an enormous challenge to audio engineers, many of whom are confused by the possibilities and unfamiliar with standards, formats, track allocations, monitoring configurations and recording techniques. The author provides a comprehensive study of the current state of the art in spatial audio, concentrating on the most widely used approaches and configurations. Anyone wishing to expand their understanding of these cutting-edge technologies will want to own this book.

The Art of Recording articulates and explores the ways recorded sound is different from live sound, and how those differences can enhance music, including surround sound. It presents a system for developing the critical and analytical listening skills necessary to recognize and understand these sound characteristics--the same skills necessary to create quality recordings-- and for talking about or describing sound. The Art of Recording also considers audio recording as a creative process. The reader will learn to guide the artistry of music recording from its beginning as an idea, through its development during the many stages of the recording sequence, to its final form. Take a new and detailed look at many of the greatest recordings of The Beatles, offering insights into how the recording process shaped their music, and how you can gain control over the craft of making great recordings.