The world of sound engineering and mixing can be a confusing one. It is essential to have a firm understanding of sound and audio concepts to know what to do. One way to acquire this knowledge is by read up on some books on sound engineering and audio. The right tome will bring you through the concepts and knowledge that you need to know.
Here are some books that cover the topic of sound engineering and offer valuable insights and practical advice. Even if you’re a beginner, these books will help you take your skills to the next level.
Sound Engineering Books for Beginners and Those New To Audio, Mixing and Live Sound
The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook
The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook lives up to its name. It covers both the theory and practical aspects of what a sound operator does. This includes equipment like mixers, microphones, monitor systems and outboard equipment that goes into the rack. It is very comprehensive but the information is not presented in an overly technical manner. This also means that you will have plenty to wade through as you read the book.
Shop for The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook.
Live Sound Mixing for Beginners
This book is great for those who only want the essentials to get started into the world of sound. It strips back all the concepts to focus on what a new sound operator needs to know in order to get started ion the mixer. The information is presented in a simple and logical manner, and illustrated with cute and disarming pictures that help to bring home the key ideas.
Shop here for Live Sound Mixing for Beginners.
Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio
Leaning more to the technical side, Understanding Audio focuses on the fundamentals of sound and acoustics. It can serve as a reference guide to educating yourself on the principles of sound and how to setup your equipment properly. This book is published by Berklee Press.
Shop here for Understanding Audio.
Step By Step Mixing: How to Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins
Written for those who many be struggling with getting a good mix in the home studio, Step by Step Mixing dives into how to optimise your recording through the use of EQ, compression, reverb, delay and saturation. It provides practical tips as well as an explanation of the theory behind each piece of gear.
Shop for Step By Step Mixing: How to Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins.
Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio
If you are a home studio enthusiast, Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio will help to provide guidance on the mixing process, from monitoring to preparing to mix. It also cover the tools that sound engineers use in the mix process and even midi.
Shop for Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio.