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N.P.I. What is it?

Listen to your MONO recordings with all channels off except for one and tell me what you hear. No Phantom Image.

Try it, it's right for the format.

B.T.W. In my previous thread MC told me I was so ignorant he could write a whole book about it. His problem was he didn't know where to start!!

Back on topic, I am enjoying "Essential Delta Blues" a compilation on Not New Music (2009). And damn if polarity doesn't make a difference - but a switch every other track? I guess it's eglitarian. I like the boost from the corner speaker (R in my case).

N.P.I. Give it a try and report here.

 

 

 

mikewerner
riccitone
229 posts
 

No phantom image…very interesting.


Have to say, Ive always thoroughly enjoyed original mono recordings through my system. Have yet to try the single speaker approach.

There are some fairly recent recordings out there made in a “live studio” setting with a single super-high quality Omni directional ribbon microphone that I also have yet to hear. They’re intended to bring back original studio approaches to modern resolution, and I think even straight to vinyl? Not sure…Pressing and copy might present an entirely “other” topic I wouldn’t want to enter, but a very cool technique.

Anyway, curious how that would present in either stereo or mono.


Great topic 👍🏼🙏🏼

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,860 posts
 

What it npi again?

JD

rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 

+1 mikelavigne
I heard a mono track in his room and it was an extremely good recording, and playback was truly involving.

I will say however, that nothing prepared me for ML reel to reel playback - my goodness! Go look at his system page, seriously.

 

mikewerner OP
119 posts
 

I agree that an epic phantom image is, well... Epic!

What more can be said about that? It is definitely room dependent.

For another "parlor trick" try this. Listen to a MONO recording on two channels with one of them being of opposite polarity. What happens to the phantom image then, and why? Can the information gleaned be used to help dial the room in? How?

For the best of parlor tricks listen to Cognac, "The Blues Is Alive And Well" Buddy Guy (2018). In stereo of course!

I Love the Blues!

mikewerner OP
119 posts
 

Addendum:

One thing is certain, N.P.I expands your seating options. I agree with elliottbnewcombjr.  

I have changed my mind about preferring the speaker in the corner (R in this case). I like the freer sound of the other speaker.

Surely you analog buffs might have additional reasons for preferring one channel over another?

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