VoiceXML 2.0 Developer's Guide : Building Professional Voice-enabled Applications with JSP, ASP & Coldfusion

Book Description

Engineer your way to excellence! This professional resource explains in full detail how to build VoiceXML-based applications using real-world programs you can adapt for your own projects. The book includes three full-scale, enterprise-level applications complete with all source code.

Customer Reviews:

Cut the crap.......2005-06-02

This is a no crap book. I didnt need a tome that would tell me what i want. I know what i need to do i just needed a book that would help in the How To part. Some of the application discussed in this book are of commercial quality in their design and funtionality. the stuff on the voice command performace shows the author's experiance on the matter. I could have done with some more stuff on IP telephony but the application discussed here elaborates a design which is common more or less in a lot of IP telephony apps. Nothing really usefull though but you can realy take the concept and the code further as you please and gives you something to think about. The very presence of the IP telephony introductory chapter in the books kind of completes the book and the discussion. I wouldnt mind though if this book had a few more pages and completed many application that i though were on the verge on being turn key solutions.

Bark with little bite.......2002-11-25

While this is the only book I could find with direct reference to VoiceXML, ASP and SALT, it was a dissapointment. The title says VoiceXML 2.0, but the major examples are all given in 1.0 syntax. There are many errors and the formatting is poor. Finally, there is no discussion about mixed-initiative applications or natural language processing.

Average customer rating:

Very useful.
Essential resource!
One of the best practical aproaches to studio design
Extremely clear and helpful book!
building a recording studio

Building a Recording Studio
Jeff Cooper
Manufacturer: Synergy Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Buildings & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Home Recording Studio: Build It like the Pros
Recording Studio Design, First Edition
How to Build A Small Budget Recording Studio From Scratch : With 12 Tested Designs (TAB Mastering Electronics Series)
Basic Home Studio Design (The Basic Series)
Sound Studio Construction on a Budget

ASIN: 0916899004

Book Description

From one of the world's leading authorities on acoustics and studio design comes this comprehensive guide to designing and constructing a world-class recording space on any budget! Building a Recording Studio includes everything from the principles behind acoustical design to tips on choosing the right construction materials. Author Jeff Cooper, who has designed studios for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, guides you through all the relevant aspects of the process in an easy-to-understand and thorough style. Whether you want to build a new studio space or just soundproof an existing room, this book is the place to start! Jeff Cooper is one of the world's leading authorities on studio design and construction. After earning four degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he started Jeff Cooper Architects in 1976. As head of his firm, Cooper has been an acoustical consultant and architect for some of the most state-of-the-art studios ever constructed. Cooper's clients have included Polygram, Capitol, EMI Records, MCA Universal, and Warner Bros., as well as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Customer Reviews:

Very useful........2006-03-09

In my opinion this is a good book. Helps you solve some problems of existing acoustical environments and provides great info on building rooms "from the ground" as well.
Now, the author him self says that going deeper on some stuff is beyond the scope of the book, but I think a little bit more wouldn't hurt.
Other aspects are it is really easy to read and have some nice drawings of every detail approached by the text. That helps you with ideas to be developed.
I think that this is a very good book for anyone seeking basic reference to rely on.

Essential resource!.......2006-02-25

Jeff Cooper "nails" every relevent topic on the construction of a modern recording studio. Not for the faint of heart (or wallet) as these construction tecniques are hardly ever followed in today's home studios. But at the least, you'll know how to do it right and why the real built-up studios should get the big bucks!

One of the best practical aproaches to studio design.......2004-01-24

After reading lots of boring Acoustics books, I had already given up on finding a book with "PRACTICAL" advice on how to build a studio. The only negative point about this one is that maybe it is a bit scarce on contents (only 200 pages)... Once read the book, one wishes it had a sequel!

Extremely clear and helpful book!.......2001-03-28

As someone unfamiliar with construction techniques, this book was a god send to me. The writing is clear and straightforward, and it contains a series of easy to understand illustrations showing construction details. From my simplistic laymen's perspective, I can say that after reading this book, I was able to have intelligent and informed conversations with architects and contractors regarding my studio. I'm sure readers who know how to swing a hammer will feel prepared to do a lot more than just talk.

building a recording studio.......2000-11-01

This book was excellant. I have read many studio books- this one takes a few extra steps to setup a more professional envirionment then just converting a garage. I am in my 4th phase-building a house with an addition for the studio; and used this book for development of the floor plan

High-Power Audio Amplifier Construction Manual

Average customer rating:

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome.
Out of Date
With basic understanding of electronics this book is great
Poor description and content
Now you understand...

High-Power Audio Amplifier Construction Manual
G. Randy Slone
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Audiophile's Project Sourcebook: 80 High-Performance Audio Electronics Projects
Audio Power Amplifier Design Handbook
Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects
Valve Amplifiers, Third Edition
Building Valve Amplifiers

ASIN: 0071341196

Book Description

Design and build awesome audio amps. Amateur and professional audiophiles alike can now design and construct superior quality amplifiers at a fraction of comparable retail prices with step-by-step instruction from the High-Power audio Amplifier Construction Manual. Randy Slone, professional audio writer and electronics supply marketer, delivers the nuts-and-bolts know-how you need to optimize performance for any audio system--from home entertainment to musical instrument to sound stage. Build a few simple projects or delve into the physics of audio amplifier operation and design. This easy to understand guide walks you through: Building the optimum audio power supply; Audio amplifier power supplies and construction: Amplifier and loudspeaker protection methods; Stability, distortion, and performance; Audio amplifier cookbook designs; Construction techniques; Diagnostic equipment and testing procedures; Output stage configurations, classes, and device types; Crossover distortion physics; Mirror-image input stage topologies.

Download Description

Randy Slone, professional audio writer and electronics supply marketer, delivers the nuts-and-bolts know-how you need to optimize performance for any audio system--from home entertainment to musical instrument to sound stage.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome........2007-09-13

The book is outstanding. I'm an EE and an audio enthusiast. I love the way this guy writes. He tells it how he sees it.

Out of Date.......2007-08-26

Great book. One major problem ... all of the "pro high end" designs discussed require L-MOSFET outputs 2SJ162 / 2SK1058 that are no longer available from reputable suppliers AT ANY PRICE. Also ... the PCB's are no longer available from Seal Electronics (in fact they are defunct). If you are looking for a good power amp project, don't waste your money here.

With basic understanding of electronics this book is great.......2007-07-18

Unlike other amplifier books this skips all the math. It focuses on topology of amplifier design. To make your own from the book you would need to know some EE math to figure everything out. If you understand how basic components like capacitors and transistors work this book is amazing. There is also a lot of incite about high end audio products available and dismisses many myths. I'm a third year electrical engineering student and this book was great. It is definitely not for beginners but great for everyone else.

Poor description and content .......2007-07-08

Don't purchase this book if you only have a basic knowledge of electronics. The title and covers are very misleading. Contains few illustrations and the so-called step-by-step instruction is nonexistent. Author talks down to you and does not deliver the "nuts-and-bolts know-how" the Editorial Review states. It also states, "Easy to understand guide walks you through": Building the optimum audio power supply; Audio amplifier power supplies and construction: Amplifier and loudspeaker protection methods; Stability, distortion, and performance; Audio amplifier cookbook designs; Construction techniques; Diagnostic equipment and testing procedures; Output stage configurations, classes, and device types; Crossover distortion physics; Mirror image input stage topologies. He doesn't walk you through anything. Maybe good for the professional but novices beware!!

Now you understand..........2006-12-03

Very well and clearly written book which which explains the basic principles of power audio amplifier design and construction. To be able to understand, you should have appropriate technical education, or previous experience with electronic circuits. The book also contains a real world do-it-yourself examples (+ pcbs) of power audio amplifiers. However, do not expect to be able to design your own amp after reading this book - it is beyond any single volume. Excellent. Kind regards, Mario Mitas.

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects

Average customer rating:

Kind of usless a few good projects
If you want to code your own software
This is a very good reference
Good for some, not so good for others.....
Still the Best Speaker Book for the Money!

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects
David B. Weems
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Introduction to Loudspeaker Design
Loudspeaker Design Cookbook
The Audiophile's Project Sourcebook: 80 High-Performance Audio Electronics Projects
High-Power Audio Amplifier Construction Manual
Design and Build Your Own Live-Sound Speakers

ASIN: 007069429X

Book Description

The definitive do-it-yourself book on creating and testing all kinds of speaker systems is updated for the computer age, covering the latest makes and models and featuring an innovative computer program to assist with speaker design. Previous editions of this compendium of simple-to-advanced projects have sold well, thanks to a large audience of electronics hobbyists and technicians, handy audiophiles, and libraries and technical schools. This version supplies step-by-step details on using the expanded computer program, which can be ordered at significant savings with an included coupon. It also includes new speaker tests, expanded information on crossover networks, techniques for designing double-chamber reflex enclosures, practical rather than theoretical dimension charts, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Kind of usless a few good projects.......2007-07-18

The science of acoustics cannot be explained so briefly. It zips through very important things and doesn't go in depth enough. It will give your some tips for basic designs but there is no way you can walk away from this book to design a top notch speaker enclosure. By all means you can copy the projects in the book but I don't feels its worth my money. Many other pre-designed enclosures are available for free. Its just to brief.

If you want to code your own software.......2006-08-21

I came across with this book in my search of free loudspeaker design code. If you are planning to code a simple program which will help you in your everyday work, like finding the right size of a box (vented or sealed) depending on the alignment tables or finding the values of a n th order filter, there is a BASIC code at the end of this book which can ease your work. Although the code belongs to an ancient BASIC compiler, the algorithm is quite useful and easy to follow. I have converted the code into C++ and ported it to HP 49G+ with HP-GCC easily. The rest of the book covers some details about building enclosures and the basics of designing a successful multi-way loudspeaker system.

This is a very good reference.......2006-03-30

Like some of the others I started with the first edition of this book it is the single best guide I have found for getting started. While now dated it is still as valid as ever since design concepts have not changed. As for those that say one no longer needs to measure driver parameters because the are now published with the drivers, think again. I have found it common that measured parameters will vary as much as 30% from those published. I personally took the formulae and created Excel spreadsheets to automate things. BTW I own several editions of Vance Dickenson's book and still consider this a better reference especially for the beginner.

Good for some, not so good for others............2005-07-13

This book may be a little complicated for begginers into the audio world. Also don't be fooled by the name of the book, this book does NOT tell you how to design and make speakers, rather, speaker systems. As in, 4-5 speakers and a subwoofer. Although, this book does touch on why speakers do certain things, along with distortions, and all those little goodies that rob you of true quatlity! It will also help you on designing different types of enclosures for all audio.

Still the Best Speaker Book for the Money!.......2005-01-09

I'm a big Weems fan! I bought the 1st edition ~25 years ago. I used the first edition to build dozens of Hi-Fi, Pro-Audio and Car loudspeaker systems. With my first edition getting pretty worn with use, so I recently purchased the 4th edition, and I am very pleased. There are other books, but Weems book is stell the best speaker book for the money!

The 4th edition has been edited to the fundamental information required to design loudspeakers. In addition, Mr. Weems added design information on 3rd and 4th order cross over networks and added the governing equations to determine fb, f3 and Vb for closed and vented boxes. The BASIC source code for programs to design speaker and cross overs is also provided. Yea, the BASIC code is a little dated since most operating systems don't have a BASIC interpreter these days. I would like to see the programs downloadable (preferably in VB), but I have used the source code and the equations to write make my own VB application.

Weems provides both exact solutions (for math lovers), and the "minimal math" approach as well. Either way, you need to do "some" math to correctly design a loudspeaker enclosure. Most folks, who have mastered high school algebra and can solve simple equations, should be able to use the charts and graphs and design boxes and cross over networks.

I recommend this book for everyone from pro's to beginners. For the Physicists and Engineers out there, you may be a little disappointed that the derivation of the solutions are not presented. For beginners, if the design task seems overwhelming, this book will provide a great foundation to buy a kit from one of the online retailers. Either way, if I had to choose one speaker building book, this would be the one.

Average customer rating:

Still the best book available on church sound so far...
New to Sound Systems in Church.
Review on "Sound Systems for Worship."
Guide to Sound Systems for Worship
Valuable Church Sound Resource

Guide to Sound Systems for Worship
Jon F. Eiche
Manufacturer: Yamaha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Sound Reinforcement Handbook
Church Sound Systems
Sound Check: The Basics of Sound and Sound Systems
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ASIN: 079350029X

Product Description

The Yamaha Guide To Sound Systems For Worship is written to assist in the design, purchase, and operation of a sound system. It provides the basic information on sound systems that is most needed by ministers, members of Boards of Trustees and worship and music committees, interested members of congregations, and even employees of musical instrument dealers that sell sound systems. To be of greatest value to all, it is written to be both nondenominational and non-brand-name.

Customer Reviews:

Still the best book available on church sound so far..........2007-07-29

I am an acoustical and systems design consultant who specializes in the design and functional rehabilitation of worship facilities. I recently re-read this book as part of a survey of available literature to recommend to the church staff members and volunteers I routinely train in technical operations.

Simply put, virtually all of the information in this well-written book by knowledgeable authors is of a fundamental nature. The misconceptions many people have about these basic technical principles, along with various types of moral failures, are the cause of most of the bad sound we encounter in our daily lives. In my view, the absence of present-day fad products only helps to maintain focus of the book on serving the needs of the novice church sound operator. One exception is probably to be found in the area of stage monitoring, where the explosion in the availability of in-ear monitoring and personal mixing systems has revolutionized the quality of sound that can be attained by amateur musicians. A few other developments, such as high-quality sub-miniature microphones for speech and close instrument pickup, and the superior tools now available to the audio system designer for measurement and prediction, would also be worthwhile to mention in an updated edition. It is probably best not to spend too much time on such things as loudspeakers, DSP, and room acoustical devices, even though their development continues at a brisk pace, since the selection of these technologies is a design-level task. To that end, one of the ways in which this book is smarter than most on church audio is that it helps the novice to gain a sense of what is and *is not* a user-level decision or adjustment, and what tasks should be performed by audio professionals at either the technician/installer, or designer, levels. These are some of the most important concepts for any audio practitioner, facility manager, organizational leader, or performing artist to be aware of.

Apart from ephemeral changes in recording media, about the only truly out-of-date information in this book is the suggestion that monophonic, central-cluster loudspeaker systems are appropriate for music-intensive churches. For the most authoritative summary of this topic, see Jim Brown's AES preprint #5666.

Finally, this book contains a useful bibliography, although its list of manufacturers should perhaps be replaced with a list of journals and magazines, training organizations, and web resources. As it is, it is the best available starting point for the church sound operator, and should be combined with Curt Taipale's "The Heart of Technical Excellence" in order to gain the best insight available from a book on the role and needs of church technical staff and volunteers. Happy reading!

New to Sound Systems in Church........2006-11-14

This book was excellent in covering sound systems for church and other applications. It discussed all aspects of audio operations both basic and advanced. While not a substitute for a lot of OJT and real involement, it helped me to understand how things worked and why you do things the way you do.

Review on "Sound Systems for Worship.".......2006-09-10

I scanned this book after buying it. I definetely plan on reading this. It is a very useful book. True, it has a lot of information that goes over my head because I've never had classes in communications electronics, for one thing. But it looks very useful for my music career in the near future.

Guide to Sound Systems for Worship.......2006-08-05

I am just learning how to run a mixing board and set up mics for worship

I found this book to be a great help in learning the basics yet it not written too low

I purchased 4 books all at the same time and this is the best of the 4

PS: after the fact this is the book that 2 professionals recommended

Valuable Church Sound Resource.......2006-07-17

This book provides just about everything you would want to know about church sound systems. It may be a bit below a true Sound Engineer, but for the rest of us it is great. It doesn't cover all products but the general knowledge is there and for all but the pure novices it can be made to fit just about any product. It also makes a great reference book to keep on the shelf for thoses times things go wrong.

The Luthier's Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments

Average customer rating:

DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS!!
5 STARS +++
The Luthier's handbook
A good purchase
Great Book!

The Luthier's Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments
Roger H. Siminoff
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Guitarmaking: Tradition And Technology (Guitar Reference)
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A Guitar Maker's Manual

ASIN: 0634014684

Book Description

An essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier's Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good-sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery experience and shares the time-tested philosophies, tips and technology of the craft. As the ideal complement to other books on building instruments, this text describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers; what to listen for when tap-tuning; selecting a good piece of wood; placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them; how to select the right strings; what to consider in bridge design concepts; and much more. Includes a free String Gauge Calculator for determining the right set of strings.

Customer Reviews:

DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS!!.......2007-09-23

Very Very Poor.
A complete waste of time and money.
All about his theories (some of which are scientifically incorrect)without any real practical guidance.
I'm sure he can build a great guitar or mandolin, but this book puts YOU no closer to achieving a good result.

5 STARS +++.......2007-08-08

A 5 STAR rating still does not give this book the credit it deserves compared to ALL the other books written on guitar construction "Tuning".

Although I am not a luthier, I have spent a lifetime earning a living in the field of structural vibrations, and as such, I can firmly say that this is the only guitar construction book I have read that gets it ALL right with regards to "tuning" the instrument during construction to achieve the desired response. Most of the Masters seem to know how to "tune" a guitar, but I think many may not truely understand the technical details of the process.

Yes, as one of the reviewers stated, it may be too complicated for some beginners, but the title says "Luthier's" Handbook, not "Beginner's" Handbook.

I plan to build my first guitar (or more) during my retirement and entend to use this book as my "Bible".

The Luthier's handbook.......2007-05-25

I thought that this was a very good product, one that was easily read and that was very nicely laid out.

A good purchase.......2007-04-02

I'm not luthier even if I would like to be. When I boght the book my purpose was to understand why some instruments sounds good and other sound bad. Reading it I understood the many varibles to consider when designing and thus building an acoustic instrument.

Great Book!.......2007-02-23

This is an excellent book for an expert or a novice. It is easy to read...is very insightful about what makes your guitar sound the way it does, and will give you many ideas about how to customize the sound in your own projects.

Noise Control Manual for Residential Buildings (Builder's Guide)

Average customer rating:

Invaluable Reference
Invaluable Reference
Noise Control Manual For Residential Buildings

Noise Control Manual for Residential Buildings (Builder's Guide)
David A. Harris , and Walls & Ceilings Magazine
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Acoustics and Noise Control Handbook for Architects and Builders
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The World Without Us

ASIN: 0070269424

Book Description

More people are spending more time at home making more noise--yet they want quiet environments. This is the only book available that tells designers, planners, architects, and builders how to give homeowners and apartment-dwellers the quiet they crave. Simple enough to be used by the average do-it-yourselfer (it avoids complex mathematics), yet so complete it will satisfy the requirements of knowledgeable building professionals, this authoritative guide gives you one-stop answers on designing, specifying, testing, and retrofitting residences to meet the new environmental standards and satisfy our need for peace and quiet.

Customer Reviews:

Invaluable Reference.......2002-09-10

This is an invaluable reference. I've been searching for weeks for materials related to noise control in a residential setting. I've found only one "expert" in the yellow pages and he charges hundreds for his advice. This book provides all of the information he provided and more. Although, the editing isn't great and there are typos and other errors, the content is first-rate. For once, this book was exactly what I expected.

Invaluable Reference.......2002-09-10

Noise Control Manual For Residential Buildings.......2000-03-25

El Libro del Sr. Harris ha sido de gran ayuda en mi trabajo como Ingeniero Acústico. Sin lugar a dudas es un texto que debe estar en la biblioteca de toda persona ligada a la arquitectura, construcción y control de ruido. Un Gran Libro.

Concert Halls and Opera Houses: Music, Acoustics, and Architecture

Average customer rating:

Deeply interesting
great book
Classic Acoustical Reference

Concert Halls and Opera Houses: Music, Acoustics, and Architecture
Leo Beranek
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Science and Applications of Acoustics
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ASIN: 0387955240

Book Description

This illustrated guide to 100 of the world's most important concert halls and opera houses examines their architecture and engineering and discusses their acoustical quality as judged by conductors and music critics. The descriptions and photographs will serve as a valuable guide for today's peripatetic performers and music lovers. With technical discussions relegated to appendices, the book can be read with pleasure by anyone interested in musical performance. The photographs (specially commissioned for this book) and architectural drawings (all to the same scale) together with modern acoustical data on each of the halls provide a rich and unmatched resource on the design of halls for presenting musical performances. Together with the technical appendices, the data and drawings will serve as an invaluable reference for architects and engineers involved in the design of spaces for the performance of music. Leo Beranek is an internationally recognized authority in acoustics who has consulted on the design of dozens of important auditoriums around the World. He has received the highest honors of the Acoustical Society of America and of the Audio Engineering Society and has just been awarded the US National Medal of Science at the White House (Oct. 2003). Advance praise for Leo Beranek's "Concert Halls and Opera Houses: Music, Acoustics, and Architecture" 2nd edition â€” PHILIP GOSSETT, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Given the many controversies surrounding the acoustical properties of concert halls and opera houses, it is a relief to be guided by someone who is both a scientist and a devoted listener. Here, the mysteries of acoustics seem less intimidating: we come to understand why music sounds the way it does in various performance spaces, and what we can do about it. It's a terrific book! I. M. PEI, ARCHITECT, NEW YORK[This book] provides an invaluable reference for the understanding and design of music facilities. JOHN WILLIAMS, COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR, LOS ANGELESDr. Beranek has created a comprehensive and fascinating study of 100 of the world's halls for music. Visiting each of these venues would be a great delight and a marvelous adventure, but such being impractical, this great book is the next best thing. All lovers of music, acoustics, architecture, and travel will enjoy this unique work.

Customer Reviews:

Deeply interesting .......2006-09-29

The author of this book greets us with an endearing smile on the back flap of the dust cover, and has every reason to. Imagine spending a significant part of your life touring concert halls and opera houses all over the world, sitting in on concerts (often changing seats in the course of the program), in order to assess the acoustic properties of the venue at hand. Fortunately, dr. Beranek has been kind enough to lay down his findings in this scholarly yet enchanting book. It offers invaluable insights into the workings of acoustics and the many factors that determine a hall's aural properties. It does so by elucidating the general principles of acoustics, and by addressing topics like building materials, hall shapes, balconies, etc., separately. But the bulk of the book is taken up by a kind of gazetteer describing in detail 100 concert halls and opera houses from around the world. Each of the descriptions includes data on all significant hall properties, as well as plans, cross sections, and (black and white) photographs looking from the auditorium towards the stage and vice versa. Yet you need not fear a dry, scientific inventory; on the contrary: the writing is never anything less than engaging, and the author never forgets that in the end it is all about the joys of music, which he clearly savours himself. The text is strewn with anecdotal quotations from conductors, players and reviewers alike - the author is acutely aware that a hall's reputation rests as much on the writings of critics and the overall audience experience as it does on quantifiable acoustical qualities. For those who like hit parades, yes, there is a top 20, though dr. Beranek is too much of a scientist to present it without heaps of caveats (though it is clear throughout the book that Boston Symphony Hall is his acoustic Walhalla).
Of course, a book like this can never be quite complete, and though I encountered the two halls I'd expected to see from my own country (the Amsterdam Concertgebouw again featuring as one of the world's top three), I was inevitably slightly disappointed to see my own town's hall disregarded, even though it is generally acknowledged to surpass the Concertgebouw when it comes to classical and early romantic repertoire. In a more general sense, the question is how random the selection was. You will find all the great halls you would expect in a survey like this (though Russia is conspicuously absent), but like me many readers are bound to be aware of hidden gems undiscovered (or at least unaddressed) by Beranek. London and Japan seem to be disproportionately represented (no less than 9 Tokyo halls are listed!), nor did I find all the US entries equally compelling (one wonders also why all countries are listed alphabetically, but after the US?). It should be noted, too, that the images serve to give a general impression of a hall, but are mostly of moderate quality, and sometimes quite bad. Finally, and then I'll stop complaining and resume the praise, opera houses are very much underrepresented and almost seem like an afterthought; they might as well have been left out, the focus is clearly on symphonic concert spaces.
None of this detracts in any significant way from the wonders of this unique book, which is, by the way, beautifully produced, featuring smooth, glossy paper. Whether an acoustic scientist, a regular concert goer or an architecture buff, this book will be fascinating reading for you. It may, indeed, even help you select the best available seat when you're booking a ticket in a hall you've never visited before (avoid those three back rows on the Boston Symphony Hall middle balcony!).

great book.......2006-08-06

FYI - I just wrote a review of the book and it got lost in cyber space. So this is my abreviated second attempt.

1- This is more thorough than Auditoria by Forsyth. It is focused soley on acoustics of the spaces, not the architecture.
2- There are 18 to 21 acoustic metrics reported for each of the halls.
3- The last sections on acoustics of concert halls and opera halls is up to date and discusses key concepts & criteria in realtion to existing facilities.

The appendices are wonderful. Appendix #2 lists additional acoutical data that is availble on the concert halls reviewed in earlier chapters. Typically this additional data inlcudes RT by octave, and may include ITDG, G (strength) & IACC.

Classic Acoustical Reference.......2006-07-20

This is a classic reference for students and practitioners working in the field. It is the most complete compendium available of acoustical and architectural data on concert and opera halls throughout the world. Each building is meticulously detailed with photographs, line drawings and technical data.

Speaker Building 201: A Comprehensive Course in Speaker Design

Average customer rating:

Great Guide for Beginners and Pro's
Speaker Building 201

Speaker Building 201: A Comprehensive Course in Speaker Design
Ray Alden
Manufacturer: Audio Amateur Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects
Loudspeaker Design Cookbook
Introduction to Loudspeaker Design
Design and Build Your Own Live-Sound Speakers
High-Power Audio Amplifier Construction Manual

ASIN: 1882580451

Customer Reviews:

Great Guide for Beginners and Pro's.......2006-11-03

This book covers from all the different box desgins that have been made and how you can create any type of box for you're home. Having it sound as good or better than a speaker box you would buy at an Audiophile store for $2,000 to $6,000 for a fraction of the price. It also gives you multiple web pages to explore about crossover calculators, box calculators and just other websites of other peoples creations and they show you how they built what they did. Partsexpress is one of the websites I did a lot of my purchasing through, they are fast and have a great selection of speaker's and components. They also have a do it yourself page with multiple projects from various people that have submitted their ideas and box designs. All of which you can create the exact same box as they did do to the fact that they give you all the blue prints, crossover design's and other good information. This book will help you understand so many speaker building techniques and the way's it all comes together in the end.
I reccomend this book to all that have a desire in building their own home theater system and reccomend you read many more books on the subject. The more you know the better you will be and the better it will all sound.

Speaker Building 201.......2006-06-16

This is a great book, however it is by RAY ALDEN and NOT J.B. HALL. Ray Alden has written a previous now out of print book, also quite good, but this one surpasses that one with many many diagrams and explanations about how a speaker works and how to build a really good one.

Average customer rating:

Priceless...
Building Valve Amp
Too basic information contained
Wish i had bought this book 2 years ago!
shop and compare

Building Valve Amplifiers
Morgan Jones
Manufacturer: Newnes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Valve Amplifiers, Third Edition
The Guitar Amp Handbook: Understanding Tube Amplifiers and Getting Great Sounds
The Tube Amp Book: Deluxe Revised Edition
Mullard Tube Circuits for Audio Amplifiers
High-Power Audio Amplifier Construction Manual

ASIN: 0750656956

Book Description

If you actually intend to create, modify, restore or repair tube audio equipment, I would highly recommend purchasing Building Valve Amplifiers, even if you are seasoned by many years of practical experience. I am convinced that all readers will be amazed at the quantity of new useful knowledge it contains. Audio Ideas Guide magazine

This book can be thoroughly recommended for experienced builders and novices alike. Electronics World

Building Valve Amplifiers is a unique hands-on guide for anyone working with tube audio equipment as an electronics experimenter, audiophile or audio engineer. Particular attention has been paid to answering questions commonly asked by newcomers to the world of the vacuum tube, whether audio enthusiasts tackling their first build, or more experienced amplifier designers seeking to learn the ropes of working with valves. The practical side of this book is reinforced by numerous clear illustrations throughout.

As well as the design and build of new valve amplifiers, complete with constructional projects, Morgan Jones introduces the modification, fault-finding and repair of new and classic equipment.

The companion volume to Building Valve Amplifiers, Morgan Jones's Valve Amplifiers, has been widely recognised as the most complete guide to valve amplifier design written for over 30 years. It introduces the art of valve electronics to the newcomer and provides ready-made practical circuits that will be of great value to enthusiasts and professional audio designers alike.

Â· The practical guide to building, modifying, fault-finding and repairing vacuum tube amplifiers
Â· A hands-on approach to tube electronics - classic and modern - with a minimum of theory
Â· Design, fault-finding, and testing are each illustrated by step-by-step examples
Â· Written by the author of the audiophile cult classic, Valve Amplifiers

Customer Reviews:

Priceless..........2007-08-09

This guy builds beautiful one-off tube amps. Amazing. The section on suspending the first stages of a tube amp to reduce microphonics using the elastics from you knickers pays for the book, right down to the calculation of the required mass for the circuit. I think everyone who want to build tube circuits will find some wacky techniques of interest.

The book has nothing to do with tube amp theory. It's all about how to make a chassis with the required holes, wiring, grounding, etc.

Lovely.

Building Valve Amp.......2007-03-11

It is a good book directed to beginners. You will find there many advices on how to plan an amp lay out and hints on metal working.
Don't expect to find there math based circuit analysis for the advanced experimenter.

Too basic information contained.......2007-01-15

I'm dissapointed with the book as it does not give us enough information on holistic aspects of Tube Amp building as it contain too much of unnecessary basic information and pictures. I think it's good for an overview for valve amp building theory but not practical.

Wish i had bought this book 2 years ago!.......2006-12-25

When I started building Hi-Fi tube electronics a few years ago, I dove right in ,searched out what were touted to be awesome sounding circuits, only to be rewarded with buzzing, hissing and humming results, with little understanding of what went wrong! I took a fellow Diyer's advice, and purchased both of Morgan Jones books, "Valve Amplifiers" and "Building Valve Amplifiers". Well written and fairly easy to understand, the time I spent with those Books gave me the knowledge to turn those nasty noisey projects into well laid out, safe, audiophile grade equipment!

shop and compare.......2005-02-12

It is safe to assume that if you are considering this book, you feel you have ingested enough theory and are now ready for the nuts and bolts of assembling a vacuum tube amp of your own.
(Not the least of which regards the critical importance of safety when dealing with lethal voltages)
My rating of this book is a little low, inasmuch as the buyer might be disappointed to see so few words about assembly, and so many more chapters of theoretical/empirical esoterica. The author here is no slacker. He obviously has spent a lifetime in the field and has a vast body of expertise to share; and does so in that ever popular British circumlocutive amble. There is indeed a lot of subtle minutiae in the book that is informative, entertaining, and edifying. But aren't we interested in what to do and what not to do and why we do it this way and not that way regarding assembling the actual components? You can find all that info in this book; including what tools will help immensely and save a lot of starting over, and cursing inanimate objects on the way to starting over.
(and be encouraged to discover that even this practised author, Morgan Jones, has a bit of dread when he first powers up-hoping not to see sparks & smoke!)
But there are a couple more books that you might also consider:... On precisely what is taking place in a tube amp, one can do no better than to make sure to have on your electronics shelf, An all American classic by the late great USAF Colonel John Rider (of Rider Technical Publication fame)-a reprint of his superbly well written "Inside The Vacuum Tube". He takes you one step at a time; and at the beginning of a new chapter, reviews "what we learned, and explains what we will now learn and now build upon in the next chapter". In other words, it is a very well thought outand in depth treatise, with a beginning a middle and an end. You will emerge with a command of vacuum tube circuitry.
Once that is digested, ...and perhaps you are precisely at that point now... you want to know exactly why you use this value of resistor, and that value of capacitor, and this arrangement of components, and not THAT kind of resistor, etc,.. and I do mean exactly how...you will find no better book than another fine reprint by the title of "Mullard Tube Circuits For Audio Amplifiers" If it comes down to choosing one over the other, with both time and budget concerns...I'd go for the Mullard book, hands down, nol contendre. It gives all the exact reasons for why we provide feedback, precisely how the phase splitter splits the signal for the push pull, and why we even want a push pull rather than a single ended amp; and diagrams for drilling out the chassis, and time honored, and tested methods of assembly. 'S alright? 'Salright!

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