The secret to good sound lies in understanding the underlying principles of every music or speech recording. This encompasses a range of topics such as sound generation, room acoustics and sound perception, transducer technology, signal processing, as well as analog and digital transmission technology. This textbook provides an insight into audio engineering, covering everything from acoustic and communication technology fundamentals to the construction and function of various studio equipment, and extending to multichannel technology and sound synthesis. Each chapter places a special emphasis on practical application: Why does a saxophone sound different from a clarinet? How does a convolution effect work? What does a noise shaper do? And how can you create a virtual microphone from two microphone signals? With numerous images and tables, examples and derivations, as well as a comprehensive glossary.