Reversing absolute phase

...and that's only if the kick was close miced, which it usually is.

well, the standard for wiring was pin 3 hot for a long time in europe and it was pin 2 hot in the US later. Now it is generally pin 2 hot. Studios tend to, and should pay attention to this meaning that the polarity should be correct from the microphone into the mic pre into the tape machine. After that you are talking about phase relationships which are far more complicated.

Stevecham, I appreciate your point; however where the mic for the drum is placed may be a confounding issue. Just a thought.