Master Handbook of Acoustics, 6th Edition

The most complete and current guide to architectural acoustics principles and practices

Design and construct audiophile-quality sonic environments of all sizes–from home theaters and project studios to large-scale recording studios. Thoroughly revised to include new acoustical design techniques, Master Handbook of Acoustics, Sixth Edition, explains the art and science of room acoustics and architecture by combining theoretical instruction with matter-of-fact engineering advice.

Written by renowned experts in the field and refined through several editions, this fully updated classic describes the fundamentals of acoustical properties, as well as the latest solutions to acoustical problems. Throughout, this authoritative text provides clear explanations, describes hands-on techniques, and features numerous room designs that can be built as presented, or adapted to your particular needs.

• Understand how sound waves travel in free fields and in enclosed spaces
• Learn how human sound perception and psychoacoustics affect room design
• Calculate and predict reflections, reverberation times, and room modes
• Perform acoustical measurements and site surveys, and choose construction materials
• Design, build, and install treatment modules to optimize early reflections, reverberation, and diffusion
• Design and build home theaters, home studios, control rooms, recording studios, and other acoustically sensitive spaces
• Reduce HVAC noise levels, and achieve excellent sound isolation with proven wall, window, and door designs
• Understand the acoustics of auditoriums and concert halls
• Utilize the supplied cost-effective plans and specifications for a variety of recording and listening rooms

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Sound
Chapter 2 Sound Levels and the Decibel
Chapter 3 Sound in the Free Field
Chapter 4 The Perception of Sound
Chapter 5 Signals, Speech, Music, and Noise
Chapter 6 Reflection
Chapter 7 Diffraction
Chapter 8 Refraction
Chapter 9 Diffusion
Chapter 10 Comb-Filter Effects
Chapter 11 Reverberation
Chapter 12 Absorption
Chapter 13 Modal Resonances
Chapter 14 Schroeder Diffusers
Chapter 15 Adjustable Acoustics
Chapter 16 Sound Isolation and Site Selection
Chapter 17 Sound Isolation: Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
Chapter 18 Sound Isolation: Windows and Doors
Chapter 19 Noise Control in Ventilating Systems
Chapter 20 Acoustics of Listening Rooms and Home Theaters
Chapter 21 Acoustics of Home Studios
Chapter 22 Acoustics of Small Recording Studios
Chapter 23 Acoustics of Large Recording Studios
Chapter 24 Acoustics of Control Rooms
Chapter 25 Acoustics of Audio/Video Rooms
Chapter 26 Acoustics of Large Halls
Chapter 27 Acoustical Distortion
Chapter 28 Room Acoustics Measurement Software
Chapter 29 Room Optimizer
Chapter 30 Room Auralization