Phase Explained

Phase is an incredibly important term that anyone who records or mixes audio has to know. Multi-Platinum mixer / producer Kenny Gioia is back with a series that explains everything you should know about Phase and includes audio demonstrations that make it very obvious why Phase is both a friend and foe.

Videos

• Introduction (09:09) - In this video, Kenny goes through the basics of Phase. Explaining Phase vs timing, Phase vs polarity and how mixing sounds and signals are effected by it… and more importantly, why it matters to you.

• Stereo Recordings (11:56) - Kenny explains, in depth, how Phase can become an issue in stereo recordings such as piano and drum overheads. XY and AB techniques are discussed and explained.

• Multi-Mic Guitars (08:16) - In this tutorial, Kenny demonstrates using multiple microphones on a single source and the phase issues that may occur. He then focuses on electric guitar amps utilizing close and distant microphones.

• Multi-Mic Drums (16:49) - Next Kenny shows how multiple microphones affect Phase in a multiple mic drum recording. Each mic and drum is discussed as Kenny gets them all in phase.

• Bass DI & Amp (10:57) - In this video, Kenny explains how to properly record Bass Guitars when using DI signals mixed with real amps and amp simulating plug-ins.

• Drum Samples (15:54) - Kenny explores replacing or enhancing drum sounds with samples and how Phase and Polarity need to be considered. We also check out programmed drums and how phase affects them as well

• Phase as an Effect (03:51) - Besides presenting recording problems, sometimes Phase can be a desired effect. In this video, Kenny shows you how Phase can be created and demonstrates some popular plug-ins to create the effect as well.

• Using Phase to Create Stereo (04:35) - In this video Kenny explains how Phase can be used to make mono tracks sound wider and how altering that phase can create more interesting possibilities.

• Phase / Polarity Tricks Pt. 1 (03:09) - Kenny now shows you some of his favorite tricks that use Phase and Polarity, starting with making Acapella mixes or 'Vocals Only' mixes from regular mixes and instrumentals. We also see how to change vocal levels with these two mixes after the fact.

• Phase / Polarity Tricks Pt. 2 (07:44) - Next, Kenny shows you a few more of his favorite tricks that use Phase and Polarity, such as making Wah effects, recording vocals without headphones and creating an Auto-Panner are all shown and explained.

• Phase / Polarity Tricks Pt. 3 (04:43) - Finally, Kenny shows you how to separate a stereo mix into a Center Channel and a Left-Right Channel for mixing or adjusting separately, including how to treat them different dynamically.