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Ok, so what does Phase Inversion actually do??

Ok, I know it inverts the signal 180 degrees, but what does that do? Where does the signal get interpreted so that it 'changes' the sound...at my ear?

I just went from a Lexicon DC1 to a Sonic Frontiers Line 1, and love the Line 1. I think although the Lexicon played analytically correct, I think the Line 1 plays more true to life. I noticed on my Bee Gees DVD that they sounded very distinct yet harmonized so well. Something I never noticed with my Lexicon. I think Phase Inversion gave the sound more depth and enhanced the upper low frequencies, which may very well have to do with my room interaction.

So what is Phase Inversion??
mdomnick
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
reverse both pairs of your speaker cables & you'll experience phase inversion - only you can decide which way sounds better to you - but be aware that this is source-material dependent.
Please pursue the forum archives for better descriptions of phase relationships - it's been adequately covered.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
in the professional industry you use not only speakers but microphones as well. if the both speakers in phase thay will interact with microphone adding the signal to each-other and create a wisstling or hum. that's where you realy need the phase inversion.
twl
3,251 posts
 
I have always been under the impression that if you have a phase-inverting preamp, you should correct the phase, either in the IC's or the speaker leads to ensure proper phasing at the output. If you do not do this, the initial impulse of the driver will be to "pull-in" instead of "push-out" when presented with the signal. This has the effect of blunting transient response and dynamic attack. It may soften things, but I can't imagine that it would be percieved as an improvement.
rec
328 posts
 
I have Jeff Rowland equipment and they use a different pin configuration in their balance settings than standard that can cause the phase to be inverted. Speaking with Jeff Rowlands they stated that about half of all the recordings are out of phase anyway and if your preamp has the ability to invert phase you can try it and see what sounds the best to you or change the speaker connections. In my experience I have only heard very subtle if any changes at all.
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