ABSTRACT
Acoustics is the science of sound and can help determine the quality of sound transmitted in a room or space. Understanding sonic characteristics of a room will result in better decisions when recording or mixing. This chapter describes basic acoustic terms and concepts, as the science of acoustics is too complex to be covered in a beginner's guide to audio. Absorption is the process in which acoustic energy is reduced when a sound wave passes through a medium or strikes a surface. The ability of sound to bend around an object and reform itself is known as diffraction. A diffuser can be used to break up standing waves by reflecting sound at a wider angle than its initial angle of incidence. Acoustical problems may arise from standing waves such as a level boost or cut off frequencies, or a creation of resonant frequencies in a room. Soundproofing a room is much more difficult than acoustically treating a room.
