Welcome
Sound Reproduction—The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms, 3rd edition explains the physical and perceptual processes that are involved in sound reproduction and demonstrates how to use the processes to create high-quality listening experiences in stereo and multichannel formats.
Understanding the principles of sound production is necessary to achieve the goals of sound reproduction in spaces ranging from recording control rooms and home listening rooms to large cinemas. This revision brings new science-based perspectives on the performance of loudspeakers, room acoustics, measurements and equalization, all of which need to be appropriately used to ensure the accurate delivery of music and movie sound tracks from creators to listeners.
A note from Floyd Toole:
The purpose of this site is to provide supplemental information and different approaches to accessing the information in the book. The first topics relate to designing, constructing, equipping and calibrating stereo listening rooms and multichannel home theaters. In the future other topics will be addressed.
Part 1—Acoustical Perspectives
- Introduction
- Some Practical Considerations
- Sound Isolation and Background Noise Reduction
- The Room at Low Frequencies
- Reverberation and Diffusion
- Early Reflections—the Physical Factors
- Early Reflections—the Perceptual Factors
- Hearing Ability is a Factor
- Acoustical Surface Treatments
- Sound Absorbers
- Sound Diffusing/Scattering Devices
- Flutter Echo
- Conclusion
Part 2—Loudspeaker Selection, Placement, and Calibration
- Introduction
- Basic Stereo and Multichannel Floor Plans
- Surround Loudspeaker Directivity Requirements
- Elevated Loudspeakers for Immersive Formats
- Seating Issues in Small Rooms
- Center Channel Issues
- Subwoofer Options
- Level and Delay Adjustments
- Equalization—What Works and Does Not Work
- Baffle Walls
- Introduction
- Power Ratings of Amplifiers
- Sensitivity Ratings of Loudspeakers
- Impedance Ratings of Loudspeakers
- Calibrated Sound Levels in Cinemas and Home Theaters
- Estimating Amplifier Power Requirements for Home Theaters
- Cinema Loudspeakers for Home Theaters
- Introduction
- Power Ratings of Amplifiers
- Sensitivity Ratings of Loudspeakers
- Impedance Ratings of Loudspeakers
- Calibrated Sound Levels in Cinemas and Home Theaters
- Estimating Amplifier Power Requirements for Home Theaters
- Cinema Loudspeakers for Home Theaters
A PowerPoint slide show explains how to keep good sounds in and bad sounds out of a home theater.