Kick Lab 07 · 12 min
Phase Lab
Combine two related kick layers, move their phase and timing, and watch their sum grow or collapse.
Controlled experiment
Change one cause. Hear the result.
Before moving a control, predict what will change. Use the play controls to compare at a comfortable level.
Audio starts only when you press a play button.
Move one control and listen for the relationship.
Attention guide
Listen for these three things.
- 1Low-frequency weight in the sum
- 2A hollow or doubled onset
- 3Whether alignment helps one region while hurting another
Guided practice
Three experiments worth doing.
Do them in order. Reveal “What to notice” only after you have described the result in your own words.
- 01
Find the null
Set equal levels and move phase toward 180°.
What to notice
Related low-frequency components can cancel strongly, though a real multi-frequency kick rarely disappears completely.
- 02
Timing is phase by frequency
Return phase to 0° and move Offset by a few milliseconds.
What to notice
One time offset creates different phase shifts at different frequencies.
- 03
Polarity is not magic
Toggle Polarity at several offsets.
What to notice
A polarity flip may improve or worsen the sum; it is a test, not an automatic fix.
Check your model
Why can a small time offset affect low-frequency weight?
Choose the answer that explains the cause, not merely the symptom.
Close the loop
Can you explain the result without the controls?
If you can name the cause, the audible change and the musical tradeoff, the concept is ready to transfer into your own session.