Free The Tone PHA-1 Phase Analyzer

• Two Types of Phase Measurements
• Level Meter Display
• Waveform Display
• Miscellaneous

The “phase” of sound is very important in live performances and recordings. When two signals at the same frequency are added in-phase, the combined signal level increases. On the contrary, by adding normal phase and reverse-phase signals at the same frequency, the signal level decreases. The signals cancel each other out.

This may be difficult to grasp but it may be easier to understand if you imagine waves beating on the shore. When multiple waves collide and mix together, some parts of the waves become higher, lower, or flat. Likewise, when multiple sounds overlap with each other, a similar phenomenon occurs.

In general, to avoid the cancellation caused by this physical characteristic, it has become standard to output guitar or bass sound in the same phase as that of the kick drum. But some combinations of effects units or amplifier channels may output signals in a reverse-phase and the signals may unintentionally cancel each other out. Out-of-phase signals are not always a bad thing because they are sometimes purposely used for making sounds, for example using wah-wah pedals, compressors, etc. What is important is to create an environment that can control the phase. We believe that by determining the phase of a sound and controlling whether it is in- or out-of-phase, your sound-making can aim at a higher level.

The PHA-1, when combined with the ARC-4 Audio Routing Controller, can easily measure whether your current combination of effects units is in-phase or out-of-phase. Since the ARC-4 has a Phase Invert function that flips the phase, it can change an out-of-phase signal to in-phase and vice versa.