Electroacoustics

Book, 2013

Electroacoustic devices such as microphones and loudspeakers are used everywhere from cars and mobile phones to homes, places of worship, and sports arenas. They are a key part of the modern communication society, helping to transmit information to our ears. A contemporary introduction to the subject, Electroacoustics explains the scientific and engineering principles behind the design of these sound transducers. It also examines the compromises that are necessary when designing transducers for use in the real world. This accessible textbook book is based on the author’s extensive experience teaching electroacoustics to advanced graduate and graduate students. He uses the concept of electrical circuit analogies to help readers quickly grasp the fundamentals of acoustical and mechanical systems. The book covers both traditional electrodynamic audio and ultrasonic transducers and includes up-to-date material on arrays, planar transducers, loudspeaker enclosure design, and more. To meet the needs of a broad range of readers, the book also includes background material on room acoustics, electrical circuits, and electrical filters. Electroacoustic theory is explained in an easy-to-read style without resorting to matrix theory. Throughout, a wealth of illustrations and exercises make the ideas more concrete. The book emphasizes multidisciplinary engineering principles, preparing students for the broad range of applications they may encounter in their research as well as later in their careers. The modern treatment of transducers also makes this a valuable reference for transducer designers, acoustical consultants, hobbyists, and anyone involved in electroacoustic design.