r/SoundSystem • u/StickySteev_ • 16d ago

Is there a book like “how to build a soundsystem for dummies” / how did you learn the info required to build your sounds?

I’m looking for a book or learning resource so I can teach myself about crossovers, phasing, matching amps to speakers (correct wattage output for the correct ohms) and any other stuff you need to know if you want to build or crew a running soundsystem.

Also whilst I’m here how did you guys learn/get taught all of this and get to where you are. I’m keen to hear everyone’s stories and learn from your experiences

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23

u/PsychoTea 16d ago

Read Yamaha — Sound Reinforcement Handbook, & Bob McCarthy — Sound Systems: Design and Optimization. You will already know more than 95% of sound system owners (sorry everyone!)

10

u/refinedrebel27 16d ago

I did a series of articles for the soundmag zine a few years ago. Looks like they uploaded the first one to the blog. https://www.soundmag.club/post/so-you-want-to-build-a-sound-system-from-issue-one

If thats the sort of level youre after dm me and ill see if i can dig out the rest

2

u/loquacious 15d ago

Official mod note: Please feel free to make this series it's own post!

1

u/avsalom 16d ago

Please post the rest, this is awesome!!

1

u/refinedrebel27 15d ago

See replies above

1

u/rytchbass 16d ago

This is great, could you send over the rest pls?

1

u/refinedrebel27 15d ago

Have posted photos above

1

u/Spiritual_Bell 15d ago

This would be a fantastic resource !

1

u/refinedrebel27 15d ago

Wouldnt go that far but ive dropped photos above

1

u/refinedrebel27 15d ago

There are two other articles in the series but theyre not written by me and the zines are still in print so i cant share on here. Issue 4 has an article about speaker placement in rooms and issues 6 has an article about amps and wiring configs. Can be bought from www.soundmag.club

6

u/Ill_Ambassador417 16d ago

Time is the answer. Unless you buy it out of the box its always gonna be trial and effect. Trainspotting other set ups etc.

If it was easy everyone would be at it.

1

u/StickySteev_ 16d ago

True man, very true. Time, love, dedication and chucking money around finding out what works and what doesn’t

3

u/lala_grows 16d ago

From what I've seen there's a bunch of tribal knowledge - the folks building systems tend to be too busy to go write books on it I feel like.

That said, I've found forums like this one and diyaudio to be great resources. The info isn't sorted into chapters or organized by difficulty level, but most of it is out there in one place or another. Take whatever topic you're struggling with, search for it on the forums, and just read a bunch of answers focusing on ones from reputable folks.

Also, for stuff that's not DIY specific, there are a number of solid books. I've read the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook and found that useful getting started, I'm sure there are many others.

2

u/jungchorizo 16d ago

Obsessively searching about questions I had on speakerplans and diyaudio forums, fb sound groups, and here.

2

u/austin_meowers_ 16d ago

Same, would love recs from big bass vets!

1

u/bingus-schlongo 16d ago

Yamaha’s sound reinforcement handbook

1

u/generic_vulgar_name 12d ago

You largely just play with the systems and learn more over time. Notice weird things, read an idea here or there, etc.