(Book). From faders to frequencies, microphones to mixing, pink noise to polarity, this is the all-inclusive manual for creating the finest sound for live performances. It applies to the entire range of stage performers and their equipment solo acoustic guitar and vocal, full-scale band requiring complex amplification, or electronica DJ working multiple turntables. Every aspect of live sound is covered, including: analyzing venue needs, acquiring and managing the ideal sound system, setting up and testing equipment, understanding and applying the theories of acoustics, maintenance, trouble-shooting, and much more. Also features a 15,000-word technical glossary.

Power amplifiers and their performance lie at the heart of audio engineering and provide some challenging problems for the engineer. Ben Duncan's experience, as an audio consultant, analog electronics designer and author, give him an unique insight into this difficult but rewarding field.

Linking analog electronics, acoustics, heat and music technology; high-end hi-fi and professional PA and recording studio use; theory, modelling and real-world practice; design and repair; the old and the new, the mainstream and the specialised, this comprehensive guide to power amps is a core reference for anyone in the industry, and any interested onlookers.
Ben Duncan is well known to many users of audio power amplifiers around the world, both professional and domestic, through his articles, reviews and research papers on music technology in the UK and US press, and through his part in creating several notable professional power amplifiers. Since 1977, he has been involved in the design of over 70 innovative, high-end audio products used by recording and broadcast studios, on stages, in clubs and by the most critical domestic listeners - as well as creating bespoke equipment for top musicians. Born in London, he has travelled widely but has lived mainly in Lincolnshire, home of his family for over 150 years. He is twice co-author of the book Rock Hardware in which he has chronicled the history of rock'n'roll PA.
Reprinted with corrections September 1997

Comprehensive and colourful real-life guide
Based on wide experience of audio and music technology
Well-known and prolific author in the hi-fi and pro-audio press

The Newnes Know It All Series takes the best of what our authors have written to create hard-working desk references that will be an engineer's first port of call for key information, design techniques and rules of thumb. Guaranteed not to gather dust on a shelf!
Part I Fundamentals of Sound
Chapter 1 Audio Principles
Chapter 2. Measurement
Chapter 3 Acoustic Environment
II. Audio Electronics
Chapter 4 Components
Chapter 5 Power supply design

III Preamplifiers and Amplifiers
Chapter 6 Introduction to Audio Amplification
CHAPTER 7 Preamplifiers and input signals
Chapter 8 Interfacing and processing
Chapter 9 Audio amplifiers
Chapter 10 Audio amplifier
Chapter 11. Valve (tube-based) amplifiers
Chapter 12 Negative feedback
Chapter 13 Noise and grounding
Part IV Digital Audio
Chapter 14 Digital audio fundamentals
Chapter 15 Representation of Audio Signals
Chapter 16.Compact disc
Chapter 17 Digital audio recording basics
Chapter 18 Digital audio interfaces
Chapter 19 Data compression
Chapter 20 Digital audio production
Chapter 21 Other Digital Audio Devices
V. Microphone and Loudspeaker Technology
Chapter 22 Microphone technology
Chapter 23 Loudspeakers
Chapter 24 Loudspeaker enclosures
Chapter 25 Headphones
Part VI. Sound Reproduction Systems
Chapter 26 Tape Recording
Chapter 27 Recording consoles
Chapter 28 Video synchronization
Chapter 29 Room acoustics
Part VII Audio Test and Measurement
CHAPTER 30 Fundamentals and instruments
- A 360-degree view from our best-selling authors
- Hot topics covered
- The ultimate hard-working deskreference; all the essential information, techniques and tricks of the trade in one volume