Every aspiring audio engineer needs to build a bookshelf.
Just like how a story without pictures is a sad one, the same can be said about audio engineering.
What you need to get started is not just the software but also the techniques and inspiration from others who have done it before you.
Even if you are an experienced engineer, there's always room for improvement and new techniques around the corner that you don’t know about.
What is Audio Engineering
Audio engineering is a highly skilled profession that deals with the technical and mechanical aspects of sound.
These engineers record, edit, mix and reproduce sound for film, television, video games, theater, music recordings, corporate events, and more.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to be a jack of all trades. Most engineers prefer to specialize in one thing.
For instance, some are purely mixing engineers, while others choose to only do mastering or recording.
By utilizing technology, audio engineers are able to create the perfect soundscape for any situation.
They are essential in the entertainment industry, and their work helps to create memorable experiences for audiences around the world.
The Best Audio Engineering Books
I’ve read and compiled a list of the best audio engineering books that are full of knowledge.
This industry has been around for decades and is still growing today. If you’re looking to learn more about engineering, you should start by purchasing these books.
There are many different approaches to audio engineering and learning how to do it right with books is one the best way to go.
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook: 5th Edition
Bobby Owsinski's The Mixing Engineer's Handbook is one of the most popular and respected resources on music mixing,
with easy-to-understand concepts that make it perfect for both beginners and professionals.
The engineer interviews in this book are worth the price alone, providing insights into the art of mixing from some of the best in the business.
Bobby Owsinski's step-by-step approach makes this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their mixing skills.
The clear and concise explanations show not only how to achieve better results, but also the principles behind the techniques.
This book will help you take your mixes to the next level.
Even if you're not looking to become an engineer yourself, this book gives a great behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite albums are made.
Whether you're just starting out or want to improve your mixing skills, this book is a must-read.
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Audio Mastering Secrets: The Pros Don't Want You To Know!
If you want to learn how to master audio to radio quality standards, then this is the book for you.
Audio Mastering Secrets is packed with step-by-step methods that have been proven to work, so that you can get amazing results without having to spend a lot of money on expensive gear.
I found this book to be incredibly insightful and full of useful information. I always tend to learn a lot from books like this, as those with first-hand experience usually have interesting things to share.
One particular claim that really stood out to me was that there is ‘no need for room treatment at all’ - which I strongly disagree with. In my opinion, this is a bold and ridiculous statement.
However, this book is essential for anyone who wants to create professional-sounding music, whether you're a DIY musician or working with a mastering engineer.
It provides insight into what goes into creating a great master, and how to listen for the elements that will make your mix sound its best.
It is evident how much knowledge John Rogers has about audio mastering after reading the book. This book is by far the best audio mastering book available today.
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Song Mixing Secrets: How To Fix The Most Common Mistakes
This book is the sequel to the book above, "Audio Mastering Secrets" by John Rogers.
Any music lover can tell you that there's an art to mixing songs. The right mix can make a good song great, and a great song unforgettable.
But what goes into getting that perfect mix? Song Mixing Secrets takes the mystery out of the process, explaining in simple, plain English (no hi-tech jargon here!).
Whether you're just starting out or you've been mixing for years, this book will give you the tools you need to take your music to the next level.
John provides tips on how to get your mixes sounding great for the mastering process, whether you'll be doing it yourself or sending it off to a professional.
His experience with tinnitus (hearing problem) is particularly insightful, as he explains how he was able to manage the condition and continue working in music.
As an artist, you've likely invested a lot of time and energy into perfecting your music. Now it's time to take the next step and invest a small amount of money into making your songs sound the best they can.
John Roger's Song Mixing Secrets will give you the knowledge and skills you need to create professional sounding mixes. With practice, you'll be able to use his methods to bring your songs to the next level.
Additionally, you will feel much more confident that your mixes will be much cleaner and richer once you learn his techniques.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy of Song Mixing Secrets today!
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Making Sound: Creative Music Production Tips and Philosophies
If you're looking for a book that will get your creative juices flowing, look no further than Making Sound.
Packed with useful tips, tricks, and techniques. This book is sure to give you plenty of new ideas to work with.
And if you're feeling stuck, the philosophical aspects of the book might just give you the fresh perspective you need.
The second edition of this book also includes interviews with some top music industry professionals.
These interviews provide insight into their processes for the first time, allowing readers to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they create music.
In addition to the more in-depth topics discussed in the 19 chapters, there are also 95 short, inspiring tips and tricks that you can reference and use while creating your own music.
By reading this book, you'll not only gain a better understanding of the music industry as a whole, but you'll also have access to helpful tools that will make your own music-making process easier and more enjoyable.
You'll be able to create the sounds you hear in your head and bring them to life through your speakers quickly.
This book is the perfect example of how to do this, encouraging exploration and experimentation, unlike most similar books.
All of the tips included are immediately useful across a variety of genres.
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Step By Step Mixing: How to Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins
If you're looking to improve your mixing skills and get professional-sounding results, this guide is for you.
It outlines a step-by-step process using only EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and saturation – all of which can be done in a home studio.
Thousands of musicians have used this method to achieve great mixes, so if you're tired of trial and error, this is worth checking out.
Get a clear set of instructions on how to make your mixes sound like the professional records you love so much.
This book is not for those who are new to mixing music. It uses mixing engineer jargon without defining the terms for those who are new to the field.
This book is specifically for those who are already mixing music but aren't satisfied with their mixes yet.
Bjorgvin's book on mixing is very helpful in getting a structured approach to the process so that you know what to do and when rather than just working on things randomly.
It's a short read, which is great for reference while you're working on your DAW. The concepts are clearly explained and easy to follow. Highly recommend this book if you're looking to improve your mixing skills.
Beginners and those who have made a few mixes should find this useful.
The Recording Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition
Bobby Owsinski's The Recording Engineer's Handbook is essential reading for anyone interested in audio recording.
It offers a complete overview for the art of audio recording, from the basics of setting up a home studio to the most advanced techniques used by professional engineers.
You'll learn everything you need to know to get started in the field, and you'll gain a greater understanding of how to produce recordings that sound great.
This book can also be a great resource for when you find yourself in an unusual recording situation and need some guidance on where to place microphones and what types of microphones may produce the best sound for that particular scenario.
The second half of the book contains interviews with some highly accomplished professional recording artists, making it an essential read for anyone interested in audio engineering.
This book was extremely helpful when it came to choosing the right equipment for my first home studio. The author does a great job of explaining the science behind everything, which has given me a strong foundation to build on.
If you're looking to get into recording, this is the book for you.
Bobby Owsinski is a renowned author, teacher, producer, and engineer, and he does an amazing job of breaking down the complex art of recording. You won't be disappointed.
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Wrap Up
Music can be a language in itself, expressing the artist’s originality and creativity.
It can also be the soundtrack of our life, the song that takes us down memory lane or we share with a friend — and this is what music engineering is all about.
A lot of people think it’s just recording and performing music but there really is so much more to it. It’s more complicated than it looks, it’s like putting a puzzle together.
The audio engineering books listed in this article are among the best in their respective categories.
By learning to utilize the concepts and techniques outlined in them you will be in a great position to succeed.
