Radial Engineering Ltd.
P
HAZE
Q 500 Module
True to the Music
®
6
Using The PhazeQ As A Phase Adjustment Tool
When recording, two mics are often combined to capture different parts of the instrument. For
example, on a guitar you may want to pick up sound from both the hole and the bridge. On a
piano, you may have one mic capturing the bass registers while a second mic captures the
highs. Spill from the instrument will invariably feed both microphones. This means that some
frequencies, when combined will be in phase and therefore reinforce each other and become
louder, while some will cancel each other out and be attenuated. Moving the microphones
around will change the sound.
This happens because each frequency has a different wavelength and the relationship
between the many frequencies will cause them to combine or cancel depending on their
relative phase. Engineers will often take hours moving mics around the room trying to fi nd
the ideal mic positions. The PhazeQ is basically an electronic device that does the same
thing: it lets you move the mic around electronically with surgical precision. What it will not
do is fi x the relationship between the two sources. This is impossible as each frequency has
a different wavelength and they go on forever. With a PhazeQ, you will actually have to use
your ears and listen to fi nd the sweet spot that works.
A common set up would be to load your 500 series rack with two PowerPre mic preamps
and a PhazeQ. You would connect each microphone to a preamp and feed the signal from
the preamp that
is closest to the source
into the PhazeQ. Both outputs would then feed
to separate channels on your recording system. Set the BLEND control to wet, the phase
adjustment counter-clockwise, and make sure the low-pass fi lter is off. Bring up the level
on the direct (far) mic to make sure it is working. Then, bring up the level one the ‘mic to
PhazeQ` channel (near). Set both channels to about the same level, turn on the phase
adjustment tool and rotate the control clock-wise.
PowerPre 500
Mic Preamp
PhazeQ 500
Module
100% Wet
Distant Mic
Close Mic
You will fi nd that most of the audible effect will be from 7 o’clock to 12 o’clock as this is
where the bass frequencies are affected. As you move the control all the way clockwise (to
5 o’clock) the audible effect will diminish as it only affects the higher frequencies. This is
because the human auditory system (our ears and brain) is most sensitive to phase shift
at lower frequencies. Try depressing the 180º switch. This will reverse the polarity of the
signal from 0º to 180º to effectively shift the phase between 181º to 360º. The effects can be
dramatic, weird and very pleasing. There are no rules… just fun!
