Sound Reproduction

This fourth edition of Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers, Rooms and Headphones explains the physical and perceptual processes that are involved in sound reproduction and demonstrates how to use these 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 revised edition includes:

• Sections on 2-channel stereo, headphones, binaural listening and DIY multiple-subwoofer solutions to room resonance problems
• Measurable performance guidelines for loudspeaker designers
• Criteria for the selection of timbrally neutral loudspeakers and headphones using industry-standard measurements
• Guidance for how best to employ loudspeakers in stereo and multichannel formats in small rooms with problematic bass resonances
• Advice on identifying and separating the recording and playback factors that influence sound quality and the spatial/enveloping perceptions that contribute to our satisfaction

This is essential reading for loudspeaker designers, recording professionals and educators, and aspiring professionals learning in and out of the classroom, as well as being accessible for audio enthusiasts looking to enrich their hobby.

Floyd E. Toole, PhD, is a retired NRC Canada scientist and VP Acoustical Engineering for Harman International. He has won AES Silver and Gold Medals, CEDIA and ALMA lifetime achievement awards, and the IOA Peter Barnett Memorial Award. He is a Fellow of ASA, a past president of AES, and is in the Consumer Technology Hall of Fame.

Sean Olive, PhD, is a senior fellow for Harman International. From 1986 to 1993 he was a research scientist at the National Research Council of Canada. He is a member of the Acoustical Society of America, and a fellow and past president of the Audio Engineering Society.

Todd Welti holds a Master’s degree in acoustics from Aalborg University and has over 24 years of research experience at Harman, earning more than 15 patents. A former acoustical consultant, he has contributed to the industry as an author, CEDIA SME, AES committee member and educator. He "retired" in 2025 and currently consults on audio projects that interest him.