Sound Assistance

This is an introductory text on sound assistance. It explains the principles and background of sound, from electricity to equipment, microphones, loudspeakers and headphones, and recording and editing in both analogue and digital. Television transmission systems are also covered.

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Sound Assistance offers a highly readable and easy-to-understand account of sound operations in radio and television studios. By knowing the characteristics of the equipment, such as threshold and compression ratios, it is much easier to achieve professional effects quickly, saving hours of trial and error.


The book will suit anyone wishing to work as a sound assistant but who does not have a thorough grounding in the maths and physics. Written in an informal style with practical 'do's and don'ts', the fundamental principles are explained. Where knowledge of a higher level maths is helpful, this information is given in handy 'fact files' seperate to the main text. Particularly appropriate for anyone considering registering for NVQ Sound Assistance Level 2, and Sound Operation Level 3 candidates who need to revise principles, this book is equally helpful for training officers and supervisors who have the task of passing on this information in a simple, easy-to-digest format.

The author Michael Talbot-Smith is a freelance audio consultant and author of 'Broadcast Sound Technology' and 'Audio Recording and Reproduction'. He is also the editor of `The Audio Engineer's Reference Book' and 'The Sound Engineer's Pocket Book'. He is a former trainer of audio engineers at BBC Wood Norton.