Sound Reinforcement Handbook Second Edition | Comprehensive Audio Engineering Guide for Live Sound and Studio Systems | Professional Acoustics Reference Book for Audio Technicians and Educators

by Gary Davis

The Sound Reinforcement Handbook – Second Edition by Gary Davis and Ralph Jones is an essential audio engineering reference designed for sound professionals, educators, and advanced learners. Perfect for live performance, studio setup, or public address systems, it’s used by teachers, technicians, and students seeking to master modern sound system design and operation.

This comprehensive handbook includes detailed explanations of microphones, speakers, signal flow, gain structure, and acoustic theory. It bridges classroom knowledge with real-world sound applications, helping readers understand how to optimize audio clarity and balance in any environment. With nearly 40 additional pages and a reorganized index, this updated edition improves usability and quick referencing for busy professionals.

The new edition expands into modern workflows, covering MIDI integration, synchronization, and logarithmic functions for digital audio systems. Readers gain the technical foundation to design, troubleshoot, and fine-tune reinforcement systems of all scales, from concert halls to recording studios. It’s a trusted companion in music technology programs worldwide and a top resource for AV engineers.

How it Strengthens understanding of signal processing, improves technical setup accuracy, and supports confident, noise-free system design. Enhances rhythm and performance skills for educators and audio students.

A thoughtful gift for any music lover. Perfect for sound engineers, music instructors, or audio enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft and bring music to life through professional-quality sound.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, Technical, Engineering, Theatre, Textbooks

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains more than one author. Those listed below have multiple books listed on GoodReads.

Gary Davis (2 spaces): jazz musician
Gary Davis (3 spaces): American living in Costa Rica
Gary Davis (4 spaces): author of the Chasing a Dying Sun series

Reviews

[Annie Fogleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Extremely informative and detailed.

[Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good basic info and a little more technical info. Taking off one star due to a lot of the information now being a little outdated in regards to technology.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-own for audio engineers.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful

[Sanjay]

dnf
i have a shitty pdf scan of this so hard to get thru it
maybe will read one day

[Giuseppe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Strait forward: it is approachable - it is written like an owner's manual and therefore, at times, can seem austere or plain but is an ultimate guide to the mathematical/scientific/acoustic means by which sound is reinforced through amplification

[Briana Grenert]

I'm finally done! This book has been a struggle, and I spent a lot of time looking terms and explanations up on the Internet but I'm happyI read it. I feel a lot wiser now, and only time will tell if it was worth my time. I am an amateur who helps out at my church.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old, but good. The fundamentals of live audio, with plenty of diagrams to help explain the theory and practical application of the text. My copy was printed in 1990 and I’m not sure if it has ever been revised. No matter though, this is a standard text. Recommended.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invaluable resource for anyone in the concert, and sound reinforcement industry.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on sound reinforcement that I've ever come across. Owning this is a must for every sound engineer, producer, and musician.

[Ruben Devos]

Technical, but all the basics you need to know about audio! Even in these digital times...Great read!

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after I'd already been doing a lot of mobile DJ work. Would have saved myself a lot of confusion had I been relying on this instead of random DJs for sound guidance.

[Gp2010 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again boring if you are not into sound reinforcement, but informative.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little outdated, but thorough on non-datable subjects like like microphone patterns and electrics