FREE THE TONE Phase Analyzer PHA-1

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 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.

Two Types of Phase Measurements

The PHA-1 provides the two types of phase measurements.
The first one is Repeated Measurement mode. In this mode the user inputs a test signal to the subject device and routes its output to the PHA-1. Then the PHA-1 analyzes the test signal that passes through the device and determines whether it is in phase or out of phase. This mode can measure the phase of effects units such as a phaser, chorus, delay, etc. in which delay elements are used, and devices that can cause a latency in the output due to AD/DA converters or DSPs used in them.
The second measurement method is Continuous Measurement mode. In this mode, the generated test signal is compared with the same timing length of the subject waveform to analyze their phases.

Level Meter Display

When combined with the ARC-4, the PHA-1 can show the level of the signal fed to or output from the ARC-4.

Waveform Display

The PHA-1 can show the waveform of the incoming signal. The magnitude of the displayed waveform can be adjusted with the RANGE button.

Miscellaneous

• Supports 9–12 VDC external power supply or 9 volt battery.
• The Optional Bracket KS-EP-1 secures the PHA-1 to the EFS-3 Extension Footswitch for the ARC-4.

SPECIFICATIONS