A little phasing can make a big stereo difference
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Producers have been using an audio technique called phase shifting since the 1960’s to create a roomy stereo pan effect which can dramatically change the entire depth of a track. By splitting a stereo track into separate Left and Right audio signals, a producer can offset (ever so slightly) one side or the other to create a panned depth to the stereo signal as a whole – an out-of-phase signal.
Digital producers can easily execute this technique by splitting a stereo track into Left and Right mono signals, or by doubling a mono track and setting one Left and one Right. Use the magnifying tool (universal software application) to look closely at the mono audio wavelength you are shifting (viewing 3-10 valleys/peaks), then ever-so-slightly shift the mono wavelength a few milliseconds backwards or forwards – then listen to the complete stereo audio. Notice the difference? The new stereo audio should sound like it has physically moved a little to the left or the right (depending on the shift).
The sound and depth of the audio depends on how far you shift the wavelengths out of phase – so experiment and be creative to find the sound that suits your needs. The one thing you probably want to stay away from is phase shifting low-end frequencies such as basslines and kick drums. Shifting these frequencies takes away from their power and punch, which is normally a big No-No in the audiophile production world.
