How do you know your mix has phase issues?

[WashImpressive]

How do you know if your mix has phase issues? Is it possible to do one stereo recording and two mics?

 

[be_here_now02]

The main phase is inaudible when played with other sounds. An 808 and a kick are louder and punchier together when they're in phase. If they're out of phase, they cancel each other out. It's quieter and less punchy than the individual sounds.

 

[Jeanne Jenner]

You hear it.

 

[Late-Anything]

Mono A/B

 

[WangChi]

The main phase is inaudible when played with other sounds. An 808 and a kick are louder and punchier together when they're in phase. If they're out of phase, they cancel each other out. It's quieter and less punchy than the individual sounds.

This only applies to samples with precise timing, such as one-shot samples pasted on the timeline. If they're both analog or from different sources and the timing varies, it's unpredictable.

 

[Pyry Niskanen]

A weak, thin, or flat mix indicates phase issues. Make sure the instrument sounds good, and the mic is placed right.

 

[Kontrol Sea]

I'm always flipping the phase during the tracking/recording process, especially when using multiple mics and techniques. This way, at least, I have a good starting point before I start mixing, but that’s me.