Phase cancellation
The partial loss of frequencies that occurs when two versions of the same sound arrive at a mixer with different timings or polarities.
When two microphones hear the same source from different distances, their signals arrive at slightly different moments, so some frequencies add and others cancel, producing a thin, hollow sound with unexpectedly weak bass. The fix is to align the timing by moving the microphones or by nudging one track in the recording software, or to invert the polarity of one channel. Because the effect depends on frequency and distance, it can be hard to hear until the two tracks are combined.
Example: Two microphones on one guitar cabinet that sound full individually but thin and hollow together are suffering phase cancellation.
See also
Related
- PagePolarity
- PageMicrophone
- PageAmp mic placement
- PageAudio interface
- PageAux send
- PageBalanced signal
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley