Book "Electronics of Rock and Roll"

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vladan3101
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Book "Electronics of Rock and Roll"

Post: # 63835Unread post vladan3101
Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:56 pm

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Since the two posts about JAES papers had more than4,000 views in 5 days (!), it made me think that there could be some interest in this book here too -- in large part, my JAES papers were based on the two of its chapters (“Analog Audio” and “Hi-Fi”).

Other chapters cover the history of early acoustic recordings, AM radio, amplification and PA systems, electronic instruments, FM radio, vinyl and magnetic recordings, loudspeakers, stereo and surround sound, digital audio systems, audio data compression, audio editing software, etc.

A detailed explanation of the imperfections in analog and digital audio recordings is presented, with a special emphasis on the reproduction of vinyl disks. Despite the recent “vinyl revival,” many aspects of their performance seem not to be properly understood among the general public and seemingly even some audio specialists, mainly because most of the analyses predate WW2, and many results are largely forgotten by now.

Interspersed with the history of electroacoustics and audio technologies, the history of rock and roll is covered as well, with explanations and many examples of how they affected this genre of music (electric instruments and special effects, PA systems, “Top 40” AM radio, microgroove single and LP disks, TV, electronic keyboards, “Progressive Rock” FM radio, multi-track recording, Hi-Fi, etc.). These electronic technologies not only enabled, but also shaped many aspects of rock and roll music as we know it today.

Any comments, especially regarding possible technical mistakes, would be highly appreciated.

More details available at https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Rock-Roll-Enabled-Shaped/dp/B0CPJYRYVX

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vladan3101
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Re: Book "Electronics of Rock and Roll"

Post: # 63884Unread post vladan3101
Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:19 pm

A version with the black and white interior is also available now, see https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Rock-Roll-Electrnics-Enabled/dp/B0CR832NVZ.

I had to make it because Amazon could not sell the original one in Australia. Something related to color interior and glossy vs. matt finish that is not a printing option they can support there but could have been an issue elsewhere.

Despite the lack of color, all illustrations are still perfectly readable. (The only one where readers might be a bit confused is Fig. 5.24, which illustrates the process of making the integrated circuits.) On the bright side, this version is cheaper.

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vladan3101
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Re: Book "Electronics of Rock and Roll"

Post: # 64144Unread post vladan3101
Wed Feb 07, 2024 3:09 pm

Received several private inquiries regarding the cost of the book. Prices can always be discussed, and we can all find various examples in favor of our views, but please note that the book is in large format (11x8.5 inches, the US letter format, close to A4 used elsewhere) and has 325 pages. It is a pretty hefty volume, with higher printing costs than some books mentioned as comparatives.

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vladan3101
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Re: Book "Electronics of Rock and Roll"

Post: # 64407Unread post vladan3101
Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:21 pm

The book has two 5-star ratings so far, but it just received its first review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend- really good! https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R29HD3MHUN5JH5/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0CPJYRYVX
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
  • Awesome book.
  • Comprehensive.
  • Extraordinarily entertaining while at the same time being technically informative in plain language.
  • Loaded with key charts, diagrams, tables, and photos of electronic equipment & milestone musicians. It is now one of my key reference sources. I learned a ton!
  • The Eastern European viewpoint is a definite plus- sprinkled with author's wit.
  • Impeccably written, and no matter what kind of music you like [beyond just Rock & Roll], you will so 'get it'.
  • I got the hardcover and believe it is more than worth the extra cost vs. paperback black

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