Top 5 Books To Learn Audio Engineering

If you are learning audio engineering you can start by learning about its four main elements i.e. recording, editing, mixing and mastering music. 

In this article, I have short-listed a list of Top 5 Books to help you learn and dive deep into the process of audio engineering. These books have everything from the very basics of audio engineering to the advanced level of information to help you master the skill. 

If you are a complete beginner, I suggest you also read this article to know Who an Audio Engineer is and What Audio Engineers do?

Top 5 Books To Learn Audio Engineering

Here’s a list of Top 5 Books To Learn Audio Engineering

1. Audio Engineering 101: A Beginner's Guide to Music Production – by Tim Dittmar 
2. Modern Recording Techniques — by David Miles Huber
3. Mixing Engineer’s Handbook – by Bobby Owsinski
4. Audio Mastering Secrets: The Pros Don't Want You To Know! – by John Rogers
5. Audio Production and Critical Listening – by Jason Corey

Make sure you get the latest edition of these books.

Audio Engineering 101: A Beginner's Guide to Music Production

Audio Engineering 101: A Beginner's Guide to Music Production – by Tim Dittmar is a beginner’s guide that covers the fundamentals of audio engineering. Tim Dittmar is a musician, songwriter, recording and live sound engineer, producer, professor and author. 

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author covers topics like the fundamentals of audio engineering, characteristics of sound, microphones, EQ, compression, analogue vs digital recording, mixing, mastering, career skills and more. He shares step-by-step techniques and process of audio engineering like studio setup, basic recording techniques, use of effects like compressors, noise gates, flanging, phase etc. This book helps you understand the essential elements of audio engineering. 

This book also features a lot of practical information, a microphone guide, interviews with professional audio engineers and provides instructions for using various types of digital consoles for mixing. It shares links to video tutorials, equipment lists, audio clips and practical exercises to help the reader understand the concepts within.

This book will provide you with information to learn the fundamental concepts of audio engineering. 

Who Is This Book For?

This book is a must-read for people who have no prior knowledge of audio engineering and are complete beginners.

You will definitely need to read other books to learn about the advanced concepts.

Modern Recording Techniques 

Modern Recording Techniques — by David Miles Huber is an in-depth guide to audio and music recording. David is a Grammy-nominated composer, producer and audio author of bestselling books. 

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author provides an in-depth overview of basic to advanced concepts of audio engineering. He shares the techniques, methods and advice to help you understand the ins and outs of audio engineering. He also shares his insight on music law and the music business.

This book covers all aspects of audio engineering, from recording to studio design and acoustics to arrangement basics to mixing and mastering. This book also features downloadable files samples that you can try in your studio. The book can act as a reference book full of technical and practical details on all aspects of sound.

This book is also used as a textbook in many institutes for audio engineering.

Who Is This Book For?

Whether you are an amateur or a professional music producer who wants to step up the game. There is something all of us can learn from this book. This is a must-read for people who want to know what goes behind the recording of sound. 

Mixing Engineer’s Handbook 

The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook is a handbook for beginner audio engineers to master the art of mixing. Learn the secrets of mixing from the well-known audio engineer, producer, musician, coach and bestselling audio author of many books — Bobby Owsinski.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author shares his insight and a lot of good advice from pro engineers about how to create a well-sounding mix. He shares a step-by-step approach covering various topics like session setup, balancing, panning, EQing, FX, dynamics & compression etc. 

This book lays out tips and tricks for every genre of music. Reading this book will help you learn the secrets of the EQ, frequencies, reverb, tips for adding effects, delay time and more. Several interviews featured within will help you understand and develop your own mixing style.

This book is a valuable tool for producers and audio engineers to learn from the mistakes of the experienced engineers who do it for a living.

Who Is This Book For?

This is a great reference guide for audio engineers and producers to develop and master their mixing skills. You will always find yourself coming back to this book over years.

Nearly all books written by Bobby Owsinski related to audio engineering are a must-read for audio engineers and music producers. If you are an aspiring audio engineer, make sure you also read recording engineer's handbook and mastering engineer handbook by Bobby Owsinski.

Audio Mastering Secrets: The Pros Don't Want You To Know!

Audio Mastering Secrets: The Pros Don't Want You To Know! – by John Rogers, is a sequential approach to mastering audio to commercial standards. John Rogers is an audio engineer and a best-selling audio, author of many mastering books.

Why Do I Recommend This Book? 

In this book, the author shares audio mastering secrets of pros to release commercial-standard sound from the comfort of your home. He provides step-by-step proven methods of the audio mastering process, everything from importing your file to finally exporting a perfectly mastered song.

Reading this book will help you level up your mastering skills without spending money on expensive gear. You will learn many tips, secrets and professional techniques like multi-band compression, M/S mastering techniques, industry level standards etc. 

This book features information that can be applied to all your mixes to achieve a great master from your home studios.

Who Is This Book For?

Highly recommended to aspiring audio engineers or anyone who wants to learn the art of mastering to produce commercial standard audio. 

Audio Production and Critical Listening

Audio Production and Critical Listening: Technical Ear Training – by Jason Corey is a brilliant handbook to develop your critical and expert listening skills, teaching you to listen to audio like an award-winning engineer.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

The decisions you take while making a track depends on your listening skills. Your ability to identify problems in a track makes all the difference to the success of your final track. This is why ear training is very crucial to audio engineers.  

This book features practice modules, sound recording analysis, listening exercises, audio and psychotic theories and access to integrated software to expand your listening skills.

Reading this book will train you to listen properly, identify issues, expand your critical listening and develop your overall listening skills.

Who Is This Book For?

Listening is the most crucial skill for every producer, engineer and musician. Every one should work on developing their listening skills to become better audio engineers. This book teaches how you can develop your critical listening skill from an engineers' perspective.

This book is a must for your growth as an audio engineer. Make sure you get this book and work on the most crucial skill required to become a successful producer and engineer.