"clicker" to check phase?

Timsplace · 23rd July 2007

I saw an engineer using a "clicker" device to check phase of multiple microphones (on a drumset). Does anyone know about this technique (and the gear used)?

Thanks

Tim

Juan T. · 23rd July 2007

It was likely a polarity checker which is often mistakenly referred to as a phase checker. The sender can produce a test "click" from an internal speaker or XLR and the receiver can receive it through an internal microphone or XLR input. You can get those from various suppliers including Galxy Audio called a Cricket or the BSS AR130 "Phase" Checker.

autologic · 23rd July 2007

I think they just create an impulse (metronome click, other clicky device) so that there's a consistent reference for which to check phase back on the DAW, and then to adjust the pre / DAW / outboard phase alignment accordingly.

I would explain it step by step but I may be completely wrong... as I've only seen it done, not done it myself.

Hope that sheds a lil light.

Jim vanBergen · 24th July 2007

It was probably a Galaxy Cricket, which does emit a pulsed click/tone that all the mics can capture and then you plug the other end into the group and you can punch the phase buttons on the channel strips and see them interact. To me, that's a very lengthy process, personally, but it's very important to have correct phase especially between top & bottom snare mics, toms, hat and OHs.

Most engineers use their ears to see if the signals combine or cancel when they buss multiple mics together, this is one of many tools available that can be used in this fashion.

There are also inline device such as the Neutrik Minirator/Minilyzer, which have electronically balanced polarity test signals.

Hope this helps!

23rd July 2007	#1
Timsplace Gear maniac Joined: May 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 184 Thread Starter	"clicker" to check phase? I saw an engineer using a "clicker" device to check phase of multiple microphones (on a drumset). Does anyone know about this technique (and the gear used)? Thanks Tim __________________ Tim Reisig

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23rd July 2007	#2
Juan T. Gear interested Joined: Apr 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 26	It was likely a polarity checker which is often mistakenly referred to as a phase checker. The sender can produce a test "click" from an internal speaker or XLR and the receiver can receive it through an internal microphone or XLR input. You can get those from various suppliers including Galxy Audio called a Cricket or the BSS AR130 "Phase" Checker.

23rd July 2007	#3
autologic Gear Head Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 60	I think they just create an impulse (metronome click, other clicky device) so that there's a consistent reference for which to check phase back on the DAW, and then to adjust the pre / DAW / outboard phase alignment accordingly. I would explain it step by step but I may be completely wrong... as I've only seen it done, not done it myself. Hope that sheds a lil light.

24th July 2007	#4
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	It was probably a Galaxy Cricket, which does emit a pulsed click/tone that all the mics can capture and then you plug the other end into the group and you can punch the phase buttons on the channel strips and see them interact. To me, that's a very lengthy process, personally, but it's very important to have correct phase especially between top & bottom snare mics, toms, hat and OHs. Most engineers use their ears to see if the signals combine or cancel when they buss multiple mics together, this is one of many tools available that can be used in this fashion. There are also inline device such as the Neutrik Minirator/Minilyzer, which have electronically balanced polarity test signals. Hope this helps!