In this video I discuss a few aspects of phase and some uses for the polarity button on your mic pre-amp or console. Phase is a complicated subject because it is not a matter of things being simply “in phase” or “out of phase”. Phase relationships are complicated because no 2 frequencies have the same wavelength and therefore won’t be in phase at the same time when using multiple microphones at different positions. Logic would tell us that the best way to capture a big sound would be to use more microphones, but many times quite the opposite is true. We can however, use multiple microphones to capture a bigger picture of a sound source if we are aware, and learn to hear phase problems. We can also learn to select mics, choose polar patterns and position mics to achieve a big picture of the sound without phase destruction. Recording a drum set or Grand Piano without a firm understanding of phase relationships is the fast track to mediocre sound recordings. Check out this video for some more information.
Thanks for stopping by to check it out!
Here’s to learning something new.
Jacob
p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com