Books about sound reinforcement

[Tom1]

I want to get a book that covers the entire topic of sound reinforcement.
Looking through amazon, I've narrowed it down to these two books:

Live Sound Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Guide to P.A. and Music Reinforcement Systems and Technology
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0918371074/qid=1087667131/sr=ka-3/ref=pd_ka_3/002-8469345-1308046

Sound Reinforcement Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0881889008/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/002-8469345-1308046?v=glance&s=books

Have you had any experience with any of these books?
Which one would you recommend?

[dougstiers]

Read and ask as many questions as possible. But whatever you do.... DON"T GO OR EVEN CONSIDER GOING TO FULL SAIL. That place is the biggest ripoff in the country when it comes to sound reinforcement and recording schools. There even used to be a website up that had hundreds of people, some of which even worked and taught there, who absolutely could not believe how the place was ran. It was called:  fullsailsucks.com  pretty funny huh?
Everything I learned about running sound came from friends who didnt mind being barraged by a LOT of questions.

[Woody]

Tom,

Get the book Live Sound Reinforcement by Stark. It is a fairly easy read with much information.  The other book you listed is the Yamaha book, I believe.  It is more technically oriented, I'm gonna wait until I'm more familiar with what I'm doing/looking at before I purchase it.

Also, Doug offers excellent advice..  Hang out at some gigs with a reputable sound person.  I offer my free services to lug gear, help set up, generally be a "gopher" in exchange for my incessant question asking. Take notes, you will learn plenty.

Also, check out this website   http://srforums.prosoundweb.com/]http://srforums.prosoundweb.com/ ..  Go to the Lab Lounge, this is where newbies are directed..  the forum is run and populated by some of the best engineers in the country so make sure some thought is put into your questions.  Hope this helps!!!

                                      Good Luck,

                                      Dave

[JeepnDrummer]

Excellent advice Dave.  I too recommend the prosoundweb.  It's the best source for live or installed sound reinforcement out there.  By the way, many top sound engineers recommend the Yamaha book.

[felix]

I'm not a top engineer, but the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement book has served me well.  Great reference.  

I would try to get a job with a sound company if you are really into it.  Combined with book learning O.J.T. is the way to go.