2nd Edition

Shaping Sound in the Studio and Beyond Audio Aesthetics and Technology

By Gary Gottlieb, Mike Testa Copyright 2026
496 Pages 376 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

496 Pages 376 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

496 Pages 376 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

Shaping Sound in the Studio and Beyond: Audio Aesthetics and Technology closes the divide between technology and aesthetics and bridges the gap between analog and digital audio practices, equipping students and emerging engineers with the real-world knowledge and flexible learning pathways needed to thrive in modern audio production environments. In this updated second edition, readers will... Read more

Introduction  Part I: Basic Audio Theory  1. Audio Aesthetics and Technology  2. The Properties and Characteristics of Sound  Part II: Understanding Audio Equipment  3. The Recording Studio  4. Consoles  5. Microphones  6. Microphone Placement and Technique  7. Speakers  8. Digital Audio  Part III: Audio Methods and Operations  9. Editing  10. Signal Processing (FX)  11. Mixing  12. Recording Studio Operations and Procedures  13. The Modern Home Studio  14. Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Sequence of Setting Up and Organizing Your Mix Session

Biography

Gary Gottlieb is a veteran audio engineer, award-winning author with three books published, and an educator at various universities. He has worked with Grammy-winning artists and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees in both studio and live environments. He currently serves as the 2025 President of the Audio Engineering Society (AES).

Mike Testa is Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Music Technology at Salem State University, USA. A specialist in bridging analog and digital workflows, his work also focuses on audio education and curriculum design. He helps students and professionals build real-world skills through accessible, practice-based approaches to sound and technology.