“Even if you never open up a piece of gear, an understanding of the concepts of electronics will add to your ability as an audio professional,” says seasoned instructor Alden Hackmann. “This book will be extremely helpful when troubleshooting gear, such as bad cables, faulty microphones, malfunctioning preamps, consoles with bad power supplies, speakers with intermittent output, and other issues.”
Hackmann uses minimal math to demonstrate practical concepts, plus every chapter includes a hands-on lab to reinforce that chapter’s concepts. There are also seven projects to help the reader develop fundamental soldering skills, including the introduction of techniques for use with a broad variety of cables. The electronics topics includes voltage, current, resistance, and power, and how they are related to one another. Resistors, capacitors, diodes, batteries, switches, LEDs, transformers, diodes, transistors, inductors, and tubes are all explained in a clear and concise manner. With 12 distinct sections, this book can be used in both the class environment and for self-study.
The accompanying DVD-ROM contains lecturers and illustrations that support and reinforce the concepts presented in the text.
Alden Hackmann has been working with electronics from a very young age. A research biologist at the University of Washington for more than 20 years, Hackmann is also one of very few high-end manufacturers of a obscure musical instrument called a hurdy-gurdy. His work with this fascinating instrument led him to metal machining, woodworking, laser engraving, inlay, and resin casting, but it also prompted a strong interest in electronics, fueled by designing onboard amplification systems for the hurdy-gurdy. His custom hurdy-gurdies—manufactured in partnership with his wife, Cali—are in strong demand, internationally and domestically (www.hurdygurdy.com).
An instructor for the Art Institute of Seattle, Hackmann teaches electronics, recording, and other audio classes. As his multiple intellectual worlds intertwine, he also designs custom electronics and enclosures for the biotech industry and has recorded and mixed live concerts and designed lighting for the Over the Water Hurdy-Gurdy Association. He lives in Seattle, WA.
Electronics Concepts, Labs, and Projects
$39.99 (US)
ISBN: 9781480342439
322 pages
www.halleonardbooks.com
