I've always wanted to write a book about audio, and a few years ago I started making notes about what I would include. As it happens, a major publisher of technical books approached me in early 2011 after seeing my hour-long AES Audio Myths video. So I submitted a proposal for my book, The Audio Expert, which they quickly approved. I worked on the book literally non-stop since then, and finally finished the first draft in late November. All 26 chapters were then sent to black belt technical editor Mike Rivers for his comments and suggestions, which I applied. (Thank you Mike!) I then did one final "polish" pass on the entire book, and sent it to the publisher January 8. The copy editor and layout department are now putting the book into its final form, then I'll review it one last time before it goes to the printer.

This is a very comprehensive "reference" type book covering all aspects of audio, with many practical as well as theoretical explanations. It's written for people who want to understand audio at the deepest, most technical level, but without needing an engineering degree. The Audio Expert explains how audio really works in much more depth than usual, using common sense plain-English explanations and mechanical analogies, with minimal math. It's presented in an easy to read conversational tone, and includes more than 400 figures and photos to augment the printed text. You can view the Table of Contents now, which includes a list of all the videos that total more than 3-1/2 hours running time.

However, this book goes beyond merely explaining how audio works. It brings together the concepts of audio, aural perception, musical instrument physics, acoustics, and basic electronics, showing how they're intimately related. It also describes in great detail many of the practices and techniques used by recording and mixing engineers, including video production and computers. This book is meant for intermediate to advanced recording engineers and audiophiles who want to become experts. It's definitely not a "Dummies" type book for beginners!

One unique feature is explaining how audio devices such as equalizers, compressors, and A/D converters work internally, and how they're spec'd and tested, rather than merely describing how to use them. This book is also unique because it includes much original research, such as methods to test the audibility of distortion and other artifacts using your own listening system, while explaining why many common home-made tests are not valid. It also addresses the perennial "measuring versus listening" and "subjectivist versus objectivist" debates head on, and resolves them using science, logic, and hard proof. There's plenty of myth-busting and consumerism too. Indeed, truly understanding how audio gear works leads to smarter buying. So while I won't tell readers what brand power amplifier to buy, I explain in great detail what defines a good amplifier, so people can choose a first-rate model wisely without over-paying.

Most explanations throughout the book are platform-agnostic, applying equally to Windows and Mac computers, and to most software and hardware. Many audio and video examples are included to better present complex topics such as vibration and resonance. Other videos demonstrate editing techniques and audio processing, and there are several video interviews with skilled musicians demonstrating their instruments and playing techniques. In the piano video, a professional piano technician disassembles a $100,000 Steinway grand to show how it works! Of course, there's also a comprehensive Acoustics section, bringing together much of my writings from past years into one coherent reference, along with a wealth of new information. There's literally nothing else like this book.

The Audio Expert is due out April 15, 2012, with an anticipated length of 656 pages and a list price of $54.95. The book can be pre-ordered now at the Amazon book store, and will also be available as an eBook at the Kindle store. Watch for a glowing review in an upcoming issue of Electronic Musician magazine.

Ethan Winer has been a professional audio engineer and musician for most of his adult life. He now heads up RealTraps, where he designs acoustic treatment products for recording studios and home listening rooms.

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