Suggested Reading

The Most Useful Acoustics Books In My Collection:

Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control
by Cyril M Harris
ISBN-10: 0070268681 | ISBN-13: 978-0070268685 | Publication Date: June 1991 | Edition: 3 Sub

This is the first book I reach for whenever I need a equations,  definitions or data.  It covers architectural noise control and environmental acoustics in great detail.  A classic, but still the best!  New copies are printed by the Acoustical Society of America.

 

Architectural Acoustics (Applications of Modern Acoustics)
By Marshall Long
ISBN-10: 0124555519 | ISBN-13: 978-0124555518 | Publication Date: June 27, 2005 | Edition: 1

Probably the most accessible acoustical textbook I have ever seen.  The material is very comprehensive, but communicated clearly and effectively.  You can tell that Marshall Long is a consultant 🙂  Subjects include a history of acoustics, wave physics, noise control in buildings & mechanical systems, sound systems, music performance halls, worship spaces, and recording studios.  If you are looking for your first introduction into architectural acoustics, this is the book for you.

 

Acoustic Absorbers and Diffusers: Theory, Design and Application
By Trevor Cox and Peter D’Antonio
ISBN-10: 0415296498 | ISBN-13: 978-0415296496 | Publication Date: April 8, 2004 | Edition: 1

Thoroughly describes the various mechanisms of sound absorption and diffusion.  Written by the founder of RPG Diffuser Systems, yet holds nothing back.  Very useful for designing your own acoustical treatment.

 

Concert and Opera Halls: How They Sound
By Leo L. Beranek
ISBN-10: 1563965305 | ISBN-13: 978-1563965302 | Publication Date: April 1996 | Edition: First Edition

A very important work by one of the Godfather’s of our field.  Written for acousticians, architects, and musicians, it highlights the parameters  and qualities that make some concert halls world class.

 

59 Seconds: Change Your Life in Under a Minute
By Richard Wiseman
ISBN-10: 0307474860 | ISBN-13: 978-0307474865 | Publication Date: December, 2010

This one is not acoustics-related; it’s a science-based examination of many common misconceptions about happiness, creativity, decision making, relationships, etc.  Written by the world’s best psychological mythbuster..  Highly Recommended!!

 

 

Useful Electronic Documents & Industry Papers:

ASHRAE 2011 Handbook — HVAC Applications — A48 — Noise and Vibration Control
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers / 56 pages

 

Journals & Magazines I Read:

Acoustics Today – A full color quarterly magazine published by the Acoustical Society of America

Sound & Vibration – A practical monthly engineering magazine covering areas of noise, vibration control and testing.

The Economist – The single best source for well balanced reporting on global events.  Its target audience are those who need clear-eyed analysis in order to make informed decisions in the world market.  The “Audio Edition” is an excellent word for word voice recording of every weekly issue and is available as a free download to any print subscriber.

 

My Favorite Websites:

AcousticsFREQ.com – The leading online forum for students and professionals of the acoustics fields.

 

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