What the hell is phasing anyways?

[Havdreamz]

Maybe this sounds like a stupid question. Okay... so to most of you it IS a stupid question. I am kinda new to mixing, however I have been producing for 3 years. I am working on a project and will be mixing it myself. I get my stuff to sound pretty good, however this "phasing" thing has me interested. Could someone please explain to me how this works, and how I could use it in my music? I produce Hip-Hop and R&B, and use an Alesis QSR, Alesis DM PRO, and a E-Mu Planet Phatt for my music. In total I have 8 dedicated tracks for my Echo GINA, and 16 dedicated tracks for my sound modules. I track out every instrument and drum sound on my Mackie VLZ PRO 24/4. My current sound is nice and full, however I think I could use some tips & tricks to make it better. I've taught myself everything, and pretty much just use EQ and panning, as well as 3 effects processors for my music. Are there any other things that I might do to give it that added "pro" touch? Any thoughts or ideas are much appreciated.

[bombastique]

There are 2 ways that phasing is usually talked about - as a 'Phaser' in an effects box and as 'phasing' referring to multiple audio tracks.

They both work on the same principle - I'm pretty sure you know that if you play 2 audio files that are flipped in polarity or phase (a positive wave is now a negative wave) simultaneously, they'll cancel each other out and you'll hear no sound. Phasing happens when you shift one of those files slightly forward or backward in time, so that the cancellation effect happens where the 2 waves have opposing polarities.

A phaser works on that principle - it takes a copy of the original waveform an delays it a certain amount (usually in milliseconds) and adds it to the original to create the phasing effect.

I wish I had a visual reference for you, as it would be much easier to understand that way...

[Havdreamz]

Thanks for the reply. If any of you have any helpful links or information maybe you can post them. This whole phasing thing has me curious. But I think your right. I'm a visual learner, and having something to look at might make it easier to understand. Thanks again.

[leel]

If you are talking about the phase of two signals then here is a link for you.
Understanding the phase relationship is very important and can make a BIG difference in your mix. Especially if you are using more than one mic for a single source such as stereo micing.
http://homerecording.about.com/library/weekly/aa042997.htm

Lee