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The Radial Phazer is a phase adjustment tool designed to allow the user to quickly time-align two sources to create fat rich tones or to open the audio landscape to all kinds of new and exciting sounds. The concept is simple. When you have two microphones in a room, the sound source will be captured by the nearest microphone to the source. A few milliseconds later, the second microphone will capture the same sound. When both microphones are on, the minute delay will cause phase cancellation. By inserting the Phazer on the nearest microphone, you can phase-align or delay the sound of the first source so that it will be in sync with the second.

Connections:
Before making any connections, start by making sure all levels are off so that you do not harm your sound system. Line level connections are either done via the insert point of the console by connecting a ¼” TRS insert cable or by taking a direct feed from a line level device such as a mic preamplifier and connecting the Phazer in-line using the +4dB XLR connectors. Power comes from the 15VDC supply that is provided. Once you are powered up, try turning up the levels. If you encounter noise, try lifting the ground switch. This can often eliminate ground loops which are the most common cause of system buzz and hum.

Start by setting up both microphones in the room and make sure the PHASE and FILTER are bypassed. Listen to make sure both microphones are working. Mute the near microphone. Now position the distant microphone where it sounds best. Turn on the near microphone and listen.

The phase adjustment tool:
The Phazer features two basic control sections: a variable phase shift that spans from 0º ~180º and a low-pass (high-cut) filter. Both feature an on-off switch* that lets you monitor the effect when introduced into the signal path. Usually, one would start by adjusting phase of the nearest source (ie close mic versus room mic) by turning the knob until the two sources ‘sound’ right. *Note: A polarity reverse switch is used to toggle the phase from the 0º ~180º to 181º ~ 360º range. This is performed at the XLR output. Engage the Phazer with the PHASE control set to 8 o’clock (completely counter-clockwise).

As microphones and/or direct boxes can often be phase reversed, first start by depressing the polarity reverse (360º) switch to see what range sounds most natural. Now, slowly turn the phase control clockwise and listen. Most of the audible effect will occur between 8 and 11 o’clock due to the energy in the low frequency band. As you move beyond this point, the potentiometer will mostly affect higher frequencies which will not be as audible. For fun, try reversing the polarity by hitting the SHIFT switch. This will again toggle the phasing effect from 0º~180º to 181º to 360º.

The low pass filter:
Once you have found the ‘sweet spot’ try engaging the low-pass filter to hear its effect. This filter is designed to roll off high frequencies so that you can focus the Phazer’s effect on the fundamentals or bass frequencies. When the knob is fully clockwise, the filter is essentially out. As you rotate counter-clockwise, the filter cut-off point will begin to take effect. The filter is a completely independent low pass filter that can be used alone or with the Phazer.

There are two ranges to choose from. These let you focus on either high frequencies where the effect will be subtle, or down into the mid range where the effect will be extreme. When you first get your Phazer, you should take the time to listen to the low pass filter effect without engaging the phase adjustment circuit so that you get familiar with how it works. Start with the filter range set to the 3kHz to 38kHz range. Set the filter knob to 5 o’clock and slowly turn the knob counter-clockwise. Now listen to the effect using the lower 300Hz to 3.8kHz - again starting at 5 o’clock and rotating the control slowly.

Combining the two effects:
Only through experimentation will you begin to fully understand the possibilities. So have fun and listen. Keep in mind that it is impossible for all frequencies to line up or be in phase as each frequency has a different wavelength and the physical distance and/or propagation time will vary. Ultimately, when using the Phazer you must use your ears to find what sounds best to you.

Best of all, the Phazer can be used on all types of musical sources. You do not have to limit yourself to what sounds best… For instance, a fun effect is to combine a direct feed from a guitar amp direct box like the Radial JDX, with a mic’d feed from the amplifier and purposely set these out of phase. This can result in tones reminiscent of Tom Schulz’s 1970s band Boston that are absolutely stunning!

The Phazer is a fun creative tool for studio and a must have to speed up live sound checks.