Chasing Sound: Technology, Culture, and the Art of Studio Recording from Edison to the LP (Studies in Industry and Society)

This books covers the technological advances of recording in the modern era from Edison to CDs and it is very engaging. I highly recommend it as an addition to the conversation on the historic perspective of the way recording has evolved. Susan Schmidt Horning places this perspective into the context of the day. Woke me up to several things I didn't know. I don't want to go into it all now but I can say it well written and seemingly well researched. There is so much information that is it blessing that the author includes a conclusion/summary at the end of each chapter. This book really helps me out personally because I am currently delving into aspects of music technology as a new career, and I believe it is incumbent upon any music professional to know the history of the industry. Besides all that rigmarole, it is a really good read. The only thing I would probably wish was included were more song references that we could use as examples, and perhaps a little more detail about the particular equipment used. There is some of that but I am really interested in the gear. Anyway, I highly recommend it. It's very interesting to hear from all the engineers and producers and some artists of various eras and how the had to deal with the constraints of the day and how that drove innovation.

Are you looking for a history of the recording process and how it has influenced the industry? This is the book you should read. I highly recommend this to any aspiring audio engineer/producer. I feel it is important for anyone to learn the roots of their profession. The author does an excellent job of providing this history. Plus, it has a comprehensive list of credits for further reading.

Anyone interested in recording should have this book. The only one of its kind as far as I know. Buy it.

There is so much great information in this well-researched book, especially about the largely undocumented early period of recording, 1900-1950. Afer reading this book I feel I have a much more complete understanding of the complete history of recording and recording studios. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone with a deep interest in recording technology and the evolving role of engineers, producers, and technicians. It's a real antidote to the autobiographical books that seem to be overabundant these days, you know the type, "I met X at a club and we recorded this, and then I met Y and we recorded this, ad nauseum. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Excellent stories and documentation for this subject. I worked in or was associated with the recording industry from the 1960's to 2000.

I really enjoyed this book. Her explanation of the evolution of the industry is fantastic.

This is the definitive book on sound studies applied to industry practices. It is elegantly written, smartly argued, and thoroughly researched. Any future attempt to chart the history of recording technology will have to begin where Horning left off.

Good interesting read

A brilliant well documented insight into the world of professional recording.