How do you check and fix phase issues in podcast audio?

Phase issues are a common problem in podcast audio, especially when you record multiple sources or use different microphones. They can cause your audio to sound thin, hollow, or distorted, and reduce the clarity and impact of your voice. In this article, you will learn how to check and fix phase issues in podcast audio using some simple tools and techniques.

1 What are phase issues?

Phase issues occur when two or more audio signals that are supposed to be in sync are slightly out of alignment. This can happen due to different factors, such as the distance between the microphones, the angle of the sound source, the type and quality of the cables, or the settings of the recording software. When the signals are out of phase, they cancel out or reinforce each other at certain frequencies, creating dips and peaks in the audio spectrum. This can make your podcast sound unnatural, unbalanced, or noisy.

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2 How to check for phase issues?

One way to check for phase issues is to use your ears. Listen to your podcast audio on different devices and speakers, and pay attention to how the sound changes. If you notice that some frequencies are missing or exaggerated, or that the stereo image is unstable or narrow, you might have phase issues. Another way to check for phase issues is to use a phase meter or a correlation meter. These are visual tools that show you how in phase or out of phase your audio signals are. A phase meter shows you the phase difference between the left and right channels, while a correlation meter shows you how mono-compatible your audio is. Ideally, you want your phase meter to be centered and your correlation meter to be positive.

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Howard Rabach

Producer ~ Audio Engineer ~ Sound Designer ~ Educator
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I'd agree that having the right software tools at ones disposal is paramount. When it comes to drums, where most often these issues can occur, proper miking technique, distances, and testing in advance can often sort out some of the bigger phase issues. Following up with iZotope, or the UA version of the Little Labs IBP can absolutely help dial in the remaining issues prior to mixing.

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3 How to fix phase issues?

There are different ways to fix phase issues, depending on the source and severity of the problem. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to use a polarity switch or an invert phase button. This flips the phase of one of the audio signals by 180 degrees, so that it aligns better with the other signal. You can find this option in most audio editing software or plugins. Another way to fix phase issues is to use a time alignment tool or a delay plugin. This shifts one of the audio signals by a small amount of time, so that it matches the other signal more closely. You can use your ears or a phase meter to find the optimal amount of delay. A third way to fix phase issues is to use an EQ plugin or a multiband compressor. This allows you to adjust the frequency balance of each audio signal, so that they blend better and avoid frequency clashes.

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Efrain Matias

Business Consultant | Real Estate Investor | GAAP Accounting | Entertainment Business Specialist
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These are all great options. In addition to these ways, adding a gate to the signal is also a form of corrective action so that when the guest or host stops speaking, the signal is automatically reduced, and there is no overlap in signal. Another optionis so simply move the mic further or closer by a few inces or feet depending on the set up of the podcast prior to recording. If phase is present during the final recording you can simply zoom in to the waveform to observe the Cycles and shift the track a few samples so the they are in alignment.

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4 How to prevent phase issues?

The best way to prevent phase issues is to avoid them in the first place. This means paying attention to how you record your podcast audio, and following some best practices. For example, you should use the same type and model of microphone for all your sources, and place them as close as possible to the sound source. You should also use high-quality cables and connectors, and check your recording software settings for any phase-related options. You should also monitor your audio levels and quality during the recording process, and use headphones to spot any phase issues.

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Howard Rabach

Producer ~ Audio Engineer ~ Sound Designer ~ Educator
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Just like an engineer should take all the time up front, testing out mics to find the best for the source, choosing the right recording chain, isolation in the live-room, so to should they test out their miking for phase issues well before pressing "record". Especially for those of us who are almost always mixing and mastering our own recordings, solve the problems before they happen. No, it's not foolproof by any means, but it will help you avoid some bigger problems down the line.

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5 How to master your podcast audio?

Fixing phase issues is only one aspect of mastering your podcast audio. Mastering is the final stage of audio production, where you polish and optimize your audio for different platforms and listeners. Mastering involves applying various processes and effects, such as compression, EQ, limiting, normalization, dithering, and metadata. The goal of mastering is to make your podcast sound consistent, clear, loud, and professional. You can master your podcast audio using dedicated software or plugins, or hire a professional mastering engineer.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you check and fix phase issues in podcast audio?

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1 What are phase issues?

2 How to check for phase issues?

3 How to fix phase issues?

4 How to prevent phase issues?

5 How to master your podcast audio?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Audio Mastering

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