Phase Shifting (Phasing)

Phase-shifting, AKA phasing, is an audio effect which takes advantage of the way sound waves interact with each other when they are out of phase. By splitting an audio signal into two signals and changing the relative phasing between them, a variety of interesting sweeping effects can be created.

The phasing effect was first made popular by musicians in the 1960s and has remained an important part of audio work ever since.

Phasing is similar to flanging, except that instead of a simple delay it uses notch and boost filters to to phase-shift frequencies over time.

The following examples show some of the different types of phasing effects (MP3):

• Drums: Dry (original audio with no effect)
• Drums: Phased
• Drums: Crunchy Phase
• Drums: Trebly Phasing
• Drums: Bassy Phase
• Drums: Tremolo Phasing Left to Right
• Drums: Washy Phase Left to Right
• Drums: "Bubbles" Phase

The screenshot below is from Adobe Audition and shows some of the common settings available in phasing effects.