1. What the plugin is for
PhaseAlign is a digital phase alignment tool for tightening the relationship between two similar signals. It helps you reduce comb filtering, low-end cancellation, and transient blur when two signals contain the same source at slightly different arrival times and phase angles. Typical examples are kick in/out, snare top/bottom, DI plus mic, and multi-mic guitar or drum setups.
2. Background: The original unit concept
This plugin is inspired by classic dedicated phase-alignment hardware concepts used in professional studios. Those units combined three key tools in one place:
- polarity inversion,
- continuous phase rotation (all-pass behavior),
- very short delay for time alignment.
The goal was never "perfect math" in isolation. The goal was to quickly find the most coherent and musical blend between two real-world signals.
3. Plugin design philosophy
PhaseAlign follows the same practical mindset: use your ears first, then confirm with meters/correlation tools if needed. The controls are intentionally focused so you can move fast in a mix session.
4. Quick Start Workflow
Step 1: Put PhaseAlign on one of the two sources
Usually place it on the secondary mic/track, not the main reference track.
Step 2: Check phase invert
Toggle it once. Keep whichever position gives stronger low end and clearer punch.
Step 3: Set Delay Adjust
Use small moves to align arrival time. Tiny changes can create major tonal improvements.
Step 4: Shape with Phase Adjust
Use rotation to maximize coherence across the important frequency range.
Step 5: Fine tune Lo/Hi and 90/180
Choose the mode that gives the best compromise across lows, mids, and attack.
5. Controls and functions
Power button (Bypass)
Turns plugin processing on/off. Use this for honest A/B checks against the unprocessed signal path.
Phase Adjust knob
Main phase-rotation control. It changes phase relationship in a frequency-dependent way, not as a simple fixed delay. Use it to improve body + punch balance when delay alone is not enough.
Delay Adjust knob
Applies short delay (0 to 4 ms) for timing alignment. Best used for broad arrival-time correction before detailed phase shaping.
Phase Invert button
Flips polarity by 180 degrees. This is often the fastest first move when two mics feel hollow together.
Phase Center Lo/Hi button
Changes the phase pivot emphasis. Lo typically focuses phase action lower in the spectrum, while Hi shifts emphasis upward. Use this to choose where the phase movement should "work hardest".
Phase Adjust 90/180 button
Switches the effective phase-adjust range. 90 is gentler and easier for subtle cleanup. 180 allows stronger correction when signals are further apart.
Menu button
Contains utility options such as manual/about and window resize presets (75% to 200%).
6. Practical use cases
- Kick In + Kick Out: tighten low end while keeping click definition.
- Snare Top + Bottom: recover body without losing crispness.
- Bass DI + Amp: lock punch and note center.
- Dual Guitar Mics: reduce harsh comb filtering and improve focus.
- Parallel Drum Bus: align attack so parallel blend reinforces instead of smears.
7. Tips
- Use short loop playback while adjusting so you hear differences instantly.
- If the sound gets thin, back up and test invert + smaller delay moves first.
- Do broad timing with delay, then detail shaping with phase adjust.
- Always level-match mentally while A/B testing to avoid loudness bias.
8. Known behavior notes
Host resize/reopen behavior can differ by DAW. This build includes host-specific handling so saved window size now restores correctly in Cubase, Logic, and Reaper.
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