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Jan 22, 2020 |

Guide: Essential books about sound – for film, games and audio post production

By Asbjoern Andersen
Books about sound
Looking for some great books on sound? Welcome to this curated collection of 30+ must-read books on sound design, field recording, game audio, post-production and more — compiled by Julien Matthey and the A Sound Effect community

Working in the sound industry requires advanced knowledge — and even if you’re going to school for cinema or sound, it’s always useful to keep yourself updated about new techniques, gear, and plug-ins. Sometimes nothing beats a good book.

Here’s a categorized list of books about sound, sound design and recording techniques that can help advance your craft and broaden the scope of your possibilities.

Film Sound & Sound Design

Sound design, film sound theory and the creative side of building soundscapes for the screen.

Cover of Designing Sound for Animation by Robin Beauchamp
Designing Sound for Animation
By Robin Beauchamp
Recommended by Aakash Kulkarni
Focused specifically on the sound design challenges of animated productions, from cartoon effects to feature-length films.
Cover of Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound by David Lewis Yewdall
Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound
By David Lewis Yewdall
Hands-on guide to all aspects of film sound, from production recording through the final mix. Often cited as an industry standard reference.
Cover of The Sounds of Star Wars by J.W. Rinzler
The Sounds of Star Wars
By J.W. Rinzler
Recommended by Julien Matthey
In this imposing book, Ben Burtt explains how he created more than 250 sound effects from the franchise. Comes with a small built-in audio player so you can hear each sound mentioned. The player’s sound quality isn’t great, but the content more than makes up for it.
Cover of Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema by David Sonnenschein
Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema
By David Sonnenschein
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Rather than explaining specific tools or plugins, this one focuses on the methodology of developing soundtracks, with anecdotes from Star Wars, The Matrix and Saving Private Ryan. Really about the synergy between sound and image. For advanced readers.
Cover of Audio-Vision by Michel Chion
Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen
By Michel Chion
Recommended by Derrick Espino
An influential academic text on the relationship between sound and image in film. Chion introduces concepts like “added value” and “synchresis” that have become standard vocabulary in film sound theory.

Location Sound & Field Recording

How to capture great sound on set, on location and out in the field.

Cover of Location Audio Simplified by Dean Miles
Location Audio Simplified
By Dean Miles
Recommended by Julien Matthey
One of the most complete books on film sound recording. Unlike other books, this one includes step-by-step instructions for configuring recorders with different camera types — and covers how to behave as a sound person on set. Companion video lessons available.
Cover of Producing Great Sound for Film and Video by Jay Rose
Producing Great Sound for Film and Video
By Jay Rose
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Covers the whole range from the physics of sound through recording techniques to post-production. Will appeal to those who want to understand and control the complete audio process.
Cover of Field Recording From Research to Wrap by Paul Virostek
Field Recording: From Research to Wrap
By Paul Virostek
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Paul Virostek draws on 20+ years of field recording (his effects have been used in Batman Begins, Million Dollar Baby and more). Covers methodology rather than gear: finding locations, timing, handling objects, avoiding noise. Complements the more equipment-focused books well.
Cover of The Location Sound Bible by Ric Viers
The Location Sound Bible
By Ric Viers
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Covers equipment, microphone placement (with photos and diagrams), wireless systems and on-set techniques. Exercises at the end of each chapter help you practice what you’ve read.
Cover of Roll Sound by John Fielden
Roll Sound
By John Fielden
Recommended by Julien Matthey
The design is a bit dated, but the content is unique: detailed sound setups for sporting events, ceremonies, concerts and talk shows, sorted by category. Also includes an appendix with note-taking templates for shoots. Hard to find this level of detail elsewhere.
Cover of The Sound Effects Bible by Ric Viers
The Sound Effects Bible
By Ric Viers
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Lots of examples on recording and creating your own sound effects, with equipment lists for small budgets to large investments. Written with humor. More for people wanting to become sound designers than those already working in the industry.
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Post-Production, Mixing & Foley

Dialogue editing, mixing, Foley and everything else that happens after the shoot.

Cover of The Foley Grail by Vanessa Theme Ament
The Foley Grail: The Art of Performing Sound for Film, Games and Animation
By Vanessa Theme Ament
Recommended by Julien Matthey
After a detailed history of the technique invented by Jack Foley, it explains the whole audio process — concentrating especially on the work of Foley artists. Good for anyone interested in adding extra layers of sound to their productions.
Cover of Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures by John Purcell
Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures
By John Purcell
Recommended by Ryan Cota
Subtitled “A Guide to the Invisible Art” — focused on the often-overlooked craft of cleaning, editing and smoothing dialogue tracks for film and TV.
Cover of Mixing Audio by Roey Izhaki
Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices and Tools
By Roey Izhaki
Recommended by Vedran Kapetinic
Covers the concepts, practical techniques and tools of audio mixing. Now in its second edition.
Cover of Audio Postproduction for Film and Video by Jay Rose
Audio Postproduction for Film and Video
By Jay Rose
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Goes from script reading through recording voices and effects to applying audio treatments in post. Also covers studio setup and acoustic treatment. Fairly advanced theory — best suited for readers with some existing knowledge.

Game Audio

Sound design, composition and audio implementation for video games — indie to AAA.

Cover of Leading with Sound by Rob Bridgett
Leading with Sound
By Rob Bridgett
About getting sound into game development early — focused on leadership, team dynamics and making audio a priority in the production pipeline rather than an afterthought.
Cover of Principles of Game Audio and Sound Design by Jean-Luc Sinclair
Principles of Game Audio and Sound Design
By Jean-Luc Sinclair
Recommended by Dave Raybould
Covers the fundamental principles behind game audio, from theory to practical sound design approaches.
Cover of Tales of a Technical Sound Designer by Damian Kastbauer
Tales of a Technical Sound Designer
By Damian Kastbauer
Personal stories and technical insights from the intersection of game audio and audio programming.
Cover of The Game Audio Strategy Guide
The Game Audio Strategy Guide
By Gina Zdanowicz & Spencer Bambrick
Structured as a practical course covering the strategic and creative side of game audio, from concept through implementation to delivery.
Cover of New Realities in Audio by Stephan Schutze
New Realities in Audio: A Practical Guide for VR, AR, MR and 360 Video
By Stephan Schütze
On the specific challenges of creating audio for VR, AR, mixed reality and 360-degree video.
Cover of Aaron Marks' Complete Guide to Game Audio
Aaron Marks’ Complete Guide to Game Audio
By Aaron Marks
Recommended by Julien Matthey
Doesn’t teach you how to create sounds specifically, but explains how to integrate them into games, including mixing tips, contract negotiation and voice recording techniques. Each chapter features interviews with working sound designers and composers.
Cover of 100 Unusual Ways to be a Better Sound Designer in Video Games by Rob Bridgett
100 Unusual, Novel and Surprising Ways to be a Better Sound Designer in Video Games
By Rob Bridgett
Unconventional approaches to improving your game sound design — goes beyond the technical basics into creative thinking and inspiration.
Cover of Pro Tools 10 for Game Audio by Greg deBeer
Pro Tools 10 for Game Audio
By Greg deBeer
Recommended by Ruben Antonio Infante
Focused on using Pro Tools specifically for game audio production workflows.

Sound Theory, History & Acoustics

Academic perspectives on sound in media, acoustic science and interviews with the people behind the craft.

Cover of Studying Sound by Karen Collins
Studying Sound: A Theory and Practice of Sound Design
By Karen Collins
Recommended by Dave Raybould
Connects sound design theory with practice — useful for both students and working professionals.
Cover of Women In Audio by Leslie Gaston-Bird
Women In Audio
By Leslie Gaston-Bird
About the contributions of women in audio — from pioneers to present-day professionals working across music, film, games and broadcast.
Cover of Master Handbook of Acoustics by F. Alton Everest
Master Handbook of Acoustics
By F. Alton Everest
Recommended by Randy Coppinger
A well-known reference on acoustics, covering the science of sound in rooms, studios and environments. Now in its sixth edition.
Cover of Hearing the Movies by James Buhler
Hearing the Movies: Music and Sound in Film History
By James Buhler, David Neumeyer & Rob Deemer
Recommended by Javier Quesada
On the evolution of music and sound in film — from silent cinema to modern blockbusters.
Cover of Sound-On-Film by Vincent Anthony LoBrutto
Sound-On-Film: Interviews with Creators of Film Sound
By Vincent Anthony LoBrutto
Recommended by Mark Kilborn
Interviews with the people behind some of cinema’s most memorable soundscapes — how they think about and approach their craft.
Cover of Film Sound Theory and Practice by Elisabeth Weis
Film Sound: Theory and Practice
By Elisabeth Weis
Recommended by Mark Kilborn
An academic text on the theoretical and practical dimensions of sound in filmmaking.
Portrait of Julien Matthey
About Julien Matthey
Passionate about sound in all its forms, Julien draws on his studies as a sound engineer and over 15 years of experience to offer a modern and professional vision of sound creation. Sound designer, sound recordist and voice-over artist, he’s one of the most renowned sound specialists in Switzerland. Learn more →

 


Power Lists - essential audio resources and insights:

• The Sound Design Power List

• The Game Audio Power List

• The Film Sound Power List

 
  Succeed in sound:

• How to Set (and Get) the Right Price for Your Audio Work

• 10 Essential Tips for Game Audio Freelancers

• How to be a successful sound designer – with Scott Gershin

• How To Actually Live as an Audio Freelancer – by Melissa Pons

• How to set your sonic creativity free & overcome creative inhibitions – by Mark Kilborn

• 5 Useful Tips for Upcoming Sound Designers and Sound Editors

• Sound Opinions: How to get game audio pricing right

• Building a successful audio post studio – with Kate Finan and Jeff Shiffman

• Rebuilding your studio: Goals, tips and lessons learned

• Creating audio for games – with Martin Stig Andersen

• A life in sound: How to foster creativity and protect yourself from burning out – with Chance Thomas

• Better audio work habits: How a Wacom Tablet can help reduce the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

• Better audio work habits: How a sit & standing desk can reduce your sedentary studio life

• Tips and thoughts on running your own audio post production house – with William McGuigan

• 30+ year audio veteran Andy Greenberg, on building client relationships in the advertising industry

• 7 Sound Alternatives to Working For Free

• Audio Outsourcing Success: Essential Tips, Thoughts and Working Practices from Adele Cutting

 
 
The sound success series:

• How to succeed in UI/UX Sound Design, ADR Recording, & Audio Programming

• How to succeed in sound design for Film, Documentaries, and Trailers

• How to succeed in sound design for Games, Animation, and Television

• How to succeed in Field Recording, Foley, and Teaching Sound

• How to succeed in Audio Branding, Music Editing, and sound for VR

• How to succeed in Theater Sound Design, Podcast Sound Design, and Podcast Production

• How to succeed in Sound Editing, Sound for Advertising, and Production Sound

• How to succeed in Sound Editing, Sound for Advertising, and Production Sound

• The Composer Success Series: Composing for Film – ft. Pinar Toprak, Nainita Desai, & Jonathan Snipes

• The Composer Success Series: Composing for TV – ft. Charlie Clouser, Sherri Chung, & Cindy O’Connor

• The Composer Success Series: Composing for Theatre – ft. Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson, and Daniel Kluger

• The Composer Success Series: Composing for Games – ft. Inon Zur
 
Breaking into audio – guides and resources:

• The ‘Quit Aspiring’ book – by Adam Croft

• How to get hired in game audio – thoughts and insights from your potential employer’s perspective

• Why gear is not the ticket to entry in the game audio community

• 4 Effective Ways to Break into Game Audio

• Tips for Creating a Perfect Resume for Audio Industry Jobs

• Yet Another Game Audio Hiring Article – by Ariel Gross

• 5 Tips for Getting a Job in the Audio Industry

• Applying for a job in game audio – by Matthew Florianz

• Freelance Game Audio: Getting Started and finding work – by Ashton Morris

• How to get started (and make it) in game audio – 10+ fundamental questions answered by Akash Thakkar

• Courses: How to network and get paid for your work in the game industry – by Akash Thakkar

• How to Craft a Perfect Cover Letter for Audio Industry Jobs
 
 
Finding those audio jobs:

• Get the weekly Audio Jobs newsletter

• Join the Audio Jobs Facebook group
 
 
Showcasing your work:
 
• Get a free profile on Soundlister

• Upload your demos to Soundcloud

• Upload your demos to ReelCrafter
 
 
Networking:
 
• Find game audio community groups around the world

• Find interesting audio events around the world

• Find other audio pros around the world
 
 
Coping with a layoff - and how to bounce back:

• How to prepare for – and power through – a layoff in the game audio industry, with Brian Schmidt:

• How to Survive a Game Audio Layoff – insights from Damian Kastbauer

• What it’s like to be laid off from your video game studio

• What To Do Before and After Being Laid Off

• Facebook Group: Survival Skills for Creatives
 
 
Education and knowledge:
 
• Get an audio mentor at the Audio Mentoring Project

• How To Learn Game Audio Online – A talk with Game Audio Educator Leonard Paul

• Hear the very best podcasts about sound

• Read the 100s of sound stories and guides on the A Sound Effect blog (search for stories here)

• Browse Industry Data: Game Music and Sound Design Salary Survey Results

• Browse 100+ Sound Design Guides

• Find essential books about sound – for film, games and audio post production

• Get tips and ideas for making your own sound effects

• Use the Audio Events Calendar to find audio-related events around the globe

• Get a steady stream of great sound stories from the community

• Discover 1000s of sound libraries from the independent sound community

• Take online courses in Wwise, FMOD Studio, Unity, Pure Data & Unreal at the School of Video Game Audio
 
 
Getting into independent sound effects:
 
• DIY SFX libraries - Your guide to your first sound effects library

• Sound effects survey results: Here are 90+ ideas for new SFX libraries

• How to create an indie sound bundle

• The quick-start guide to adding sound FX library metadata
Know someone who’d love these books?
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