New Books

New Books in the Trew Audio Book Nook

As you are probably aware, Trew Audio has a Book Nook on our website. While there are a number of books there that are widely available, we also offer a few very special “insider” books that you can only get from a professional outlet such as Trew Audio.
Here are a few recent additions that you may have missed.

The new Hi Def cameras are here. Are you ready? In his new book, 24P for Sound and Video Assist, Wolf Seeberg examines the issues surrounding this new format from the perspective of the sound department. The book is worth the money just for the first page entitled “Quick EASY start for Location sound Mixer”.
A well-respected authority in the location sound arena, Wolf covers the audio functions of the Sony F900 by including a few sections from the manual for the F900 along with discussions of accepted practices and the reasons for them. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Wolf book without some in depth discussions of time code issues and methods for keeping double system shoots in sync.

He also knows when to call a spade a spade and does not shy away from a technically sound criticism when necessary. Numerous down-converter accessories are discussed as well as their uses. These devices allow HDTV signals be viewed on NTSC monitors rather than the slick, new, and much pricier, HD monitors.

With a Resources section containing contact information for 24P location camera engineers, rental houses, editing, gurus, and manufacturers’ contact information, this book is also a crucial link for further discussions about 24P shoots as they become more prevalent.

As usual, it is written with just a touch of that old Wolf charm (see the Love Letter to Sony, which is anything but!). This is a reference you should have on hand before you need it. List Price: $36.

Rycote’s Microphone Data Book is an excellent reference from the designers and manufacturers of the well-known wind protection gear.
Weighing in at 4 pounds and 4 ounces, this is a hefty tome of exhaustive information about every microphone you could possibly imagine and a few you couldn’t. It lists over 850 microphones from 54 manufacturers worldwide, complete with pictures, response curves, technical data, and full contact information for the manufacturers.

One of the more interesting features is the inclusion of five different indexes. This is a brilliant move, which allows you to look up microphones by type, polar pattern, suggested use, price range, or model.

The front of the book covers such topics as microphone history, choosing the right microphone for your application, aligning coincident stereo microphone systems, and an overview of surround sound. The most apropos section is entitled, “How to reduce wind noise and vibration”.

It is pleasantly free from the overly self-promoting language that sometimes fills other audio application “guides”, and instead focuses on the underlying scientific principles employed in the design of shock mounts and windscreens.

Finally, just so you don’t loose your place in the 900 plus pages, the Microphone Data Book comes with a zeppelin-shaped bookmark attached to the binding via a short ribbon. Its rugged hardback construction makes it a reference that will travel well, making it ideal for the next winter weather layover in Chicago. List price: $90.

The SPARS Time Code Primer. Who would have thought that a book about one of the most basic tools of our trade could be so interesting? But, have you ever tried to talk intelligently about time code? It is an elusive thing that we all know how to use, but don’t necessarily understand.
Starting at the “atomic level” of time code, the frames, the primer builds methodically to encompass just about every conceivable aspect of time code by the end of the book. It is mind boggling that a 72-page book can cover so much in so little space, make sense, and be entertaining.

Among the hardcore technical information, there are also some illuminating passages about the history of time code. The film section actually delves into pre-history and Stefan Kudelski’s contribution of Neo-pilotone. Being a member of the younger generation myself, I’ve never had to deal with Neo-pilotone. It felt like I was finally unlocking some big mystery that I’d heard about but had never been very clear on the method of its use.

For those moments when you need a quick reference rather than an exhaustive discussion, the last section is an excellent list of time code do’s and don’ts subdivided by application.

SPARS (The Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) has been serving audio professionals for over 20 years with members in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This booklet is a welcome reference for all of us. List price: $25

-- Matt Hamilton


New Books in the Trew Audio Book Nook
As you are probably aware, Trew Audio has a Book Nook on our website. While there are a number of books there that are widely available, we also offer a few very special “insider” books that you can only get from a professional outlet such as Trew Audio. Here are a few recent additions that you may have missed. The new Hi Def cameras are here. Are you ready? In his new book, 24P for Sound and Video Assist, Wolf Seeberg examines the issues surrounding this new format from the perspective of the sound department. The book is worth the money just for the first page entitled “Quick EASY start for Location sound Mixer”. A well-respected authority in the location sound arena, Wolf covers the audio functions of the Sony F900 by including a few sections from the manual for the F900 along with discussions of accepted practices and the reasons for them. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Wolf book without some in depth discussions of time code issues and methods for keeping double system shoots in sync. He also knows when to call a spade a spade and does not shy away from a technically sound criticism when necessary. Numerous down-converter accessories are discussed as well as their uses. These devices allow HDTV signals be viewed on NTSC monitors rather than the slick, new, and much pricier, HD monitors. With a Resources section containing contact information for 24P location camera engineers, rental houses, editing, gurus, and manufacturers’ contact information, this book is also a crucial link for further discussions about 24P shoots as they become more prevalent. As usual, it is written with just a touch of that old Wolf charm (see the Love Letter to Sony, which is anything but!). This is a reference you should have on hand before you need it. List Price: $36. Rycote’s Microphone Data Book is an excellent reference from the designers and manufacturers of the well-known wind protection gear. Weighing in at 4 pounds and 4 ounces, this is a hefty tome of exhaustive information about every microphone you could possibly imagine and a few you couldn’t. It lists over 850 microphones from 54 manufacturers worldwide, complete with pictures, response curves, technical data, and full contact information for the manufacturers. One of the more interesting features is the inclusion of five different indexes. This is a brilliant move, which allows you to look up microphones by type, polar pattern, suggested use, price range, or model. The front of the book covers such topics as microphone history, choosing the right microphone for your application, aligning coincident stereo microphone systems, and an overview of surround sound. The most apropos section is entitled, “How to reduce wind noise and vibration”. It is pleasantly free from the overly self-promoting language that sometimes fills other audio application “guides”, and instead focuses on the underlying scientific principles employed in the design of shock mounts and windscreens. Finally, just so you don’t loose your place in the 900 plus pages, the Microphone Data Book comes with a zeppelin-shaped bookmark attached to the binding via a short ribbon. Its rugged hardback construction makes it a reference that will travel well, making it ideal for the next winter weather layover in Chicago. List price: $90. The SPARS Time Code Primer. Who would have thought that a book about one of the most basic tools of our trade could be so interesting? But, have you ever tried to talk intelligently about time code? It is an elusive thing that we all know how to use, but don’t necessarily understand. Starting at the “atomic level” of time code, the frames, the primer builds methodically to encompass just about every conceivable aspect of time code by the end of the book. It is mind boggling that a 72-page book can cover so much in so little space, make sense, and be entertaining. Among the hardcore technical information, there are also some illuminating passages about the history of time code. The film section actually delves into pre-history and Stefan Kudelski’s contribution of Neo-pilotone. Being a member of the younger generation myself, I’ve never had to deal with Neo-pilotone. It felt like I was finally unlocking some big mystery that I’d heard about but had never been very clear on the method of its use. For those moments when you need a quick reference rather than an exhaustive discussion, the last section is an excellent list of time code do’s and don’ts subdivided by application. SPARS (The Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) has been serving audio professionals for over 20 years with members in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This booklet is a welcome reference for all of us. List price: $25 -- Matt Hamilton