ABSTRACT
Most budget electronic gear these days is very high quality, letting you create first-rate
music that sounds as good as anything on the radio. Yet, many recording enthusiasts,
unhappy with the quality of their productions, wrongly blame their gear. Of course, talent
and experience matter more than anything else, but so does working in a good acoustic
environment. While it may be possible to create a great mix in an untreated room, it’s
difficult and often frustrating. After all, if you can’t hear accurately, it’s impossible to know
what mix elements need adjusting. This chapter explains the basics of acoustics and room
setup using plain English with minimal math. Although much of the focus is on recording
studios, especially smaller studios, most of the information applies equally to audiophile
and home theater listening rooms, as well as large professional studios.
