school of rock!

[speekergeek]

Ok here goes.... I am desperately seeking an online resource for stuff that explains in detail (more detail than my radio-shack loudspeaker design book) all the principles of audio, well at least the stuff that is pertinent to speakers. such as D'appolito (sp?), I know it is the configuration of speakers, but i want more. I could spend hours sifting through threads, but i would like to avoid that. I consider myself not a beginner at audio, but i still don't understand about 50% of the stuff that is thrown around in these forums by the vets.

I am trying to get myself in the R&D dep't of an audio manufacture company, i think i can sell myself. but i have to sound like i know what i am talking about. at least until i get a degree.


p.s. would the best route to go in this field be an electrical engineering degree?

[liz]

Electronics or acoustics would probably be more useful, depending on what kind of work you want to do. Alternatively you may be able to find a more specialist degree programme (in digital audio or audio systems for instance) that suits your needs.

[eRiCdWoNg]

I looked into this before. Seems like EE or ME, as well as Physics are the applicable degrees. There is also an acoustics degree, but not many schools offer that. I know Univ. of Hartford in Conn does for BS and then Penn State does for MS and PHd.

[Brett]

Originally posted by speekergeek
I am trying to get myself in the R&D dep't of an audio manufacture company, i think i can sell myself. but i have to sound like i know what i am talking about. at least until i get a degree.

What would be better, is to apply when you actually know what you're talking about. Otherwise, even if you BS your way in, any half decent engineer will know you are full of it straight away. And I hate to say it, but a degree is just the first step.

[speekergeek]

Most companies want experience, how else to better get it than to try asap. tell them i am going to school right now. I wouldn't be so much BS'ing them as i would be selling myself on the experience i have obtained in building and designing speakers for myself and my friends. I do think a degree is very important though, that is what night school is for.

[usekgb]

Make sure you get yourself a copy of Yamaha's Sound Reinforcement Handbook. This book is very informative about practical applications and some theory behind sound reproduction and recording. Many professional audio people consider this book the be the "Sound Bible".

Cheers,
Zach

[Brett]

Originally posted by speekergeek
Most companies want experience, how else to better get it than to try asap. tell them i am going to school right now. I wouldn't be so much BS'ing them as i would be selling myself on the experience i have obtained in building and designing speakers for myself and my friends. I do think a degree is very important though, that is what night school is for.

If you can get an apprenticeship/internship to a decent audio company, then go for it. It would be the ideal way to get your degree as the practical aspects of the theory, and a myriad of other things would be learned at the same time, which will likely make you a much better engineer in the end.

Good luck.

[speekergeek]

Thanks for your input, a little positive reinforcement goes a long way. i would love to have an internship at this place i am shooting for. i just hope they are looking for some young apprentices! Yamaha's sound reinforement handbook eh? i will check amazon for that one. thanks all around!

mike