Radial Engineering Phazer-Bank Owner's Manual

True to the Music

1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

www.tonebone.com

Phazer

™

®

True to the Music

®

Owner's Man u al

Phazer-Bank

™

Radial

®

Phazer™ and Phazer-Bank

™

Owner's Manual

Table of Contents .......................................................... Page

Design Overview ............................................................. 1

Feature Set - Phazer....................................................... 2

Feature Set - Phazer-Bank.............................................. 3

Connections and Set Up ................................................. 4

Using The Phase Section................................................ 6

Using The Filter Section.................................................. 8

Applications..................................................................... 9

FAQ................................................................................. 12

Specifi cations .................................................................. 13

Warranty.......................................................................... Back cover

www.radialeng.com

Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Radial Phazer. The Phazer is
a device that allows you to quickly adjust the phase response of an
audio signal to create new and exciting tones. This owner's manual
covers the operation of the Phazer™ and the four channel Phazer­Bank™. We recommend that you take a few minutes to read through
it in order to familiarize yourself with the many innovative features
incorporated into the Phazer.

Should you have a question or an idea for an application not cov­ered in this manual, we invite you to log onto the Radial web site at
www.radialeng.com to check the FAQ section for the latest updates.
Of course, you can also send us an email at [e-mail] and
we will do our very best to respond to you promptly. Now get your
mic's, DI's and mixer revved up and get ready for some real tonal
fun!

Enjoy

True to the Music

1

OVERVIEW

The Phazer is a real-time analog phase adjustment tool with 100%
discreet class-A circuit topology for great sound. The Phazer gives
you a quick and easy means to experiment with the creative use of
phase shift and it inspires new sounds when working with your favor­ite mics and Radial direct boxes.

Its purpose is to shape the sound by shifting the phase of one signal
against another, allowing you to tune the overall phase-response of
the combined signals. The Radial Phazer is capable of shifting the
phase continuously over the complete 360° range. You simply dial in
the amount of phase shift that sounds best to your ears.

For instance, an engineer may use two mics to record an acoustic
guitar. The fi rst mic is placed close to the sound hole and a second
mic is located further away from the guitar. Because the sound waves
take a little longer to reach the more distant mic, its signal is slightly
delayed compared to the close mic signal.

This minute delay creates a phase shift between the two mic signals
that colors the tone through a type of phase cancellation known as
comb-fi ltering. The Phazer exploits this phenomenon and presents it
as a simple, fun and musical tool for the audio engineer.

For instance, the Phazer can be used to shift the close mic's signal
into alignment with the distance mic to create a fuller, richer sound
when the two mic signals are combined. Alternatively, it may be used
as an effect to intentionally shift the phase and create new unique
tones.

The more you use the Phazer the more you will come to appreciate
the creative options that are uncovered. When you think about it, cre­ativity is what making music is all about.

Phase Shift

Close Mic

Distant Mic

Time

Close Mic Distant Mic

Time

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

11

1213

1. Phase-On with LED - bypass switch for the phase

section. LED illuminates when engaged.

2. Invert switch - fl ips the phase range of the SHIFT

control from 0° - 180° to the 181°- 360° range.

3. Shift control - adjusts the degree of phase shift.

4. Filter-on with LED - bypass switch for the low-pass

fi lter. LED illuminates when engaged.

2

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

7. Ground Lift - eliminates hum and buzz caused by

ground loops. Disconnects Pin-1 at the XLR output

and the sleeve at the TRS phone output.

8. Power switch - LED illuminates when unit is active.

9. 14 gauge steel enclosure - with bookend shell cre-

ates a protective zone for the controls.

10. Power supply connection with cable lock - con-

nection point for the included Radial 15VDC power

supply . Cable lock feature prevents accidental power

disconnect.

PHAZER FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

True to the Music

9
8

12

10

7
11

1

2

3

4

5

6

3

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

11. TRS ¼” phone jacks - connection for balanced

+4dB and unbalanced -10dB signals.

12. XLR jacks - connection for balanced +4dB signals.

13. Full bottom pad - neoprene non-slip pad won't

scratch.

5. Range switch - selects between two frequency

ranges for the low-pass fi lter. Choose between

300Hz to 3.8kHz range or 3kHz to 38kHz.

6. Cut-off control - adjusts the high-frequency cut-

off point for the low-pass fi lter within the selected

range.

True to the Music

Tip = Send
Ring = Return
Sleeve = Common

Send

Return

4

insert cable like the one shown here.
b. Balanced Inserts on Separate Jacks (+4dB): Balanced connec­tion may be accomplished with either XLR or TRS Phone jacks with
the proper interface cables: See chart for balanced wire confi guration.

CONNECTIONS
Before making connections turn your monitors or P A system off.
Power: The Phazer is powered by a 15VDC/400mA supply (in-

cluded). Do not substitute with another power supply. If you need a
replacement please contact your dealer (see the power supply part
numbers on the specifi cations page for your region). The Phazer's
power connection includes a cable lock feature.

Audio: The Phazer is a line-level device that accepts +4dB bal­anced and -10dB unbalanced signals at either the XLR or ¼”
phone jacks. Balanced connections use the AES standard (pin-2
hot). There are two basic methods for connecting the Phazer:

1. Console Insert Connection - This is the most common connec­tion. The Phazer is placed in the signal path using the "insert" point
at the console (or studio patchbay). Determine the type of insert
points your console is equipped with.

a. Unbalanced Single-Point Insert (-10dB): Requires a single point

Use a hex driver to
loosen the cable lock.

Pass the cable through
and re-tighten.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

XLR TRS Phone
Pin 1 Common Sleeve
Pin 2 Hot (+) Tip
Pin 3 Cold (-) Ring

True to the Music

Distant Mic

Close Mic or DI Box

Insert Phazer

on close mic
or direct box

Microphones Preamps Phazer Recorder

5

CUT-OFF

0º

180º

38kHz

3kHz

3.8kHz

300Hz

SHIFT

3. Insert the Phazer into the microphone or direct box channel you
would like to phase align. Keep in mind that the Phazer should be
processing the signal that arrives at the mixing console fi rst. This
would be the signal from the closest of the two mics, or a direct box
since electricity travels faster than sound waves.

2. In-line Connection

The Phazer can be connected between line-level devices, such as
between a mic pre-amp and a recorder. An example would be a ste­reo microphone setup where one mic is patched direct and the other
is passed through the Phazer. The Phazer is placed "in-line" between
the second mic preamp and the recorder.

SETTING UP THE PHAZER

1. Set all panel switches to the outward position (LED off).

2. Set the SHIFT control fully counter-clockwise. Set the CUT-OFF
control fully clockwise.

4. Activate the Phazer by connecting the power supply and depress-

ing the POWER switch. The LED will illuminate.

5. Turn your audio system on and test your connections at a low

volume level. If no sound is heard turn your equipment off and
check the connections. If all is well turn the level up to a comfort­able listening level. If you hear hum or buzz, try depressing the
GROUND LIFT switch. You are ready to start using the Phazer.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

True to the Music

6

USING THE PHASE SECTION

The phase section is tuned by ear using three controls. To best hear
the effect of each control set your mixer controls for both signals
(one with the Phazer inserted and one without) to equal volume and
panned center in your monitors.

A

Start with the INVERT switch in the outward position and the

SHIFT control turned full counter-clockwise.

B

Engage the PHASE ON switch, the LED illuminates.

C

Slowly rotate the SHIFT control clockwise while listening. Tune

the control by ear to best suit the program material.

B

A

C

For the most part the goal is to shift the close mic signal until it
phase-aligns with the distant mic in a musical and pleasing way that
compliments the instrument and program material. Keep in mind it is
impossible for all frequencies to line up or be in perfect phase at the
same time. When tuning the SHIFT control, simply use your ears to
fi nd what sounds best to you.

The Invert Function

The main function of the INVERT control is to reverse the absolute
phase of the signal passing through the Phazer and allow the SHIFT
control to access the 181° to 360° phase range. The INVERT switch
can also be used for several clever functions.

For instance, not all microphones and direct boxes produce the same
polarity at their output. The INVERT switch can be used to correct the
polarity of one device to match another.

When listening for the "sweet spot" it can sometimes be easier to
hear phase cancellation rather than reinforcement. Employ the IN­VERT switch to help you tune the SHIFT control while listening for
maximum phase cancellation. When you've found the spot that
produces the weakest sound hit the INVERT button again and the
effect switches from maximum cancellation to maximum reinforce­ment. This is most effective when tuning the effect to the fundamental
frequency.

Filtering a signal through phase cancellation is one way to make
tracks sit better in the mix without fi ghting with other instruments
in the same register. Try phase shifting the rhythm guitar part while
monitoring the other rhythm section instruments to see how you can
change the balance without adjusting fader levels.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

True to the Music

0º

180º

SHIFT

7

Bypass - zero phase shift,
response is linear.

At this setting 200Hz is
shifted by just one or two
degrees while 20kHz is
shifted 180°.

At this setting 200Hz is
shifted by 100° while
everything above 2kHz
is shifted 180°.

Near maximum setting
200Hz reaches 180°.

0º

180º

SHIFT

0º

180º

SHIFT

USING THE PHASE SECTION (continued)

The following diagrams plot the phase response at different posi­tions of the SHIFT control. The gentle curve displaying phase shift
increases (in degrees) as the control is turned. Radial's unique phase
curves and class-A analog electronics combine to make the Phazer
sound musical.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

+150

+100

+50

0

-50

-100

-150

-200

-250

-300

-350

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

FREQUENCY (Hz)

PHASE SHIFT IN DEGREES

+150

+100

+50

0

-50

-100

-150

-200

-250

-300

-350

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

FREQUENCY (Hz)

PHASE SHIFT IN DEGREES

+150

+100

+50

0

-50

-100

-150

-200

-250

-300

-350

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

FREQUENCY (Hz)

PHASE SHIFT IN DEGREES

+150

+100

+50

0

-50

-100

-150

-200

-250

-300

-350

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

180°

FREQUENCY (Hz)

PHASE SHIFT IN DEGREES

0°

True to the Music

8

USING THE FILTER SECTION

Once you have found the ‘sweet spot’ in the phase shift section, try
adjusting the low-pass fi lter controls to hear their effect. The fi lter sec-
tion is designed to roll-off high frequencies above a variable cut-off
point allowing the Phazer's effect to be focused on the fundamental
frequencies. Before adjusting the fi lter section set the controls as
follows.

D

Depress the fi lter ON switch, the LED illuminates.

E

Set the RANGE switch to its outward position. This sets the

fi lter to it's highest frequency range, up to 38kHz.

F

Set the CUT-OFF to the maximum clockwise position. This

sets the cut-off point to it's highest frequency allowed by the
RANGE switch.

Slowly turn the CUT-OFF control counter-clockwise while listening
to the effect. As you turn the CUT-OFF control counter-clockwise the
fi lter moves downward through the spectrum removing frequencies
above the cut-off point from the Phazer’s output.

The fi lter offers two cut-off ranges accessed with the RANGE switch.
When set to the outward position the fi lter will attenuate frequencies
between 3kHz and 38kHz and produce a subtle effect on most instru­ments. When set to the inward position the fi lter affects the 300Hz to

3.8kHz range producing a more extreme high frequency roll-off.

D

E

F

Filter Range
300Hz - 3.8kHz.
Extreme fi ltering.

Filter Range
3kHz - 38kHz.
Subtle fi ltering

Filter Cut-off

Filter Cut-off

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

True to the Music

9

APPLICATIONS

Acoustic Guitar - Mic and Direct Box

A good application to try out the Phazer's capabilities is recording
with a direct box and a microphone. Start by setting up a mic and a DI
box and connect them to separate channels on your mixing console.
Adjust both signals in the monitors to an equal level and panned to
the center.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

Insert Phazer

on direct box

Direct Box

Distant Mic

Once you have the DI and mic set up take a look at the time line
below. It will help you understand what you are hearing. When the
guitar is strummed the DI sends an electronic signal off at near the
speed of light while the mic has to wait for the slower sound waves
to travel through the air. This creates a phase-offset between the two
signals that is measured in degrees. Listen for a few moments to the
combined signals without the Phazer before continuing.

Direct Box

Microphone

Phase Shift

Direct Box

1130 feet

per/second

Speed of

Light

So, how does it sound? What you are hearing is the complex interac­tion between the DI, mic and the room causing phase cancellations
at some frequencies and reinforcement at others. It may sound good
or it may not. It depends on where those cancellations and reinforce­ments are occurring in the audio spectrum. Before the Phazer, the
only way to "tune" the phase response would have been to move the
mic around the studio until a sweet spot was found.

Next, insert the Phazer into the DI signal path. While mic placement is
still very important, the Phazer gives you another approach. Instead
of moving the mic around the studio to fi nd the sweet spot, place it
where it sounds good on its own then use the SHIFT control to tune
the phase of the DI signal until it aligns with the mic in a way that
sounds good to you.

True to the Music

Insert Phazer

on JDX channel

JDX Amp

Direct Box

Microphone

10

Electric Guitar - Mic and Radial JDX Amp DI

The magic of the Phazer is fully revealed when used with the Radial
JDX amplifi er DI. The JDX connects between your amplifi er's output
and your speaker cabinet. It taps and fi lters the direct sound of your
amp then outputs a balanced mic-level signal to the mixing console.

Combining the JDX with a microphone can produce good results. The
Phazer can take it to the next level by to aligning the direct output of
the JDX with the mic signal, allowing you to dial-in huge sounding
guitar tones in a fl ash. This technique is of particular advantage to
touring bands as it provides a consistent repeatable guitar sound
while reducing phase related problems.

Bass Guitar in a Live Venue

In a typical stage set up the bass guitar connects to a DI box to feed
the PA system and the bass stage amp. Here’s what happens. The
sound from the bass is reproduced almost instantaneously by the
bass-amp and PA speakers, but since the bass-amp is positioned at
the back of the stage, several feet behind the PA speakers, the bass­amp sound will arrive at the mix position a few milliseconds AFTER
the sound waves from the PA, causing a phase offset.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

PA Speakers

Bass Amp

Time Difference
in Degrees

FOH Engineer

AB

A

B

True to the Music

Mic A - placed
close to beater
head.

Mic B - placed
outside drum
shell.

Acoustic String Bass

Engineers often combine the
signals from a piezo contact
pickup (A) and a microphone (B)
when recording acoustic string
bass. This is very much like
the acoustic guitar application
because the piezo's signal arrives
instantaneously followed by the
mic's signal a moment later.
Shifting the piezo signal into
alignment with the microphone
will reinforce the fundamental
creating a bigger bass sound
while intentional miss-alignment
can yield interesting and new
sounds.

This is a good time to try the Phazer's fi lter section. The timbre of the
piezo signal can be infl uenced by the fi lter settings and offer many
more shades of tone.

11

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

The resulting comb-fi ltering makes mixing the sound more diffi cult
and the low-frequency defi nition from the bass may be lost for most
listeners. As it is impossible to solve all of the phase problems in a
room (due to refl ections off walls and ceilings) the intent is to at least
provide the mix position with the best sound possible so that the end
mix is balanced. This is where the Phazer comes in. By inserting the
Phazer on the bass guitar signal going into the PA system, we can
shift the phase so that the PA and bass amp play together in phase.

Kick Drum - a Better Beater Sound

Engineers often use two mics on a kick drum. The fi rst mic (A), typi-
cally a condenser, is placed close to the drum head to pickup up the
beater sound for added snap. A second mic (B), often a dynamic, is
positioned further away to pickup the overall low frequency tone of
the drum. The distance between the two mics creates a phase off-set
which the Phazer can compensate for. Insert
the Phazer into the signal path of Mic A to
time align the two mics for a tighter sound­ing track.

True to the Music

B

A

The Phazer aligns the
signals for a bigger and
tighter kick drum sound.

The two signals arrive
at different times.

A

B

12

FAQ

Q: Can I connect a mic directly to the Phazer?

A: No. You must fi rst connect the mic to a preamplifi er and then
to the Phazer, as it is designed to accept +4dB or -10dB line
level signals. A microphone does not have suffi cient output to
drive the Phazers circuit.

Q: Can I use the Phazer with pre-recorded tracks?

A: Yes. The simplest way is to use the insert points on your con­sole to introduce the Phazer into a pre-record signal. When you
have the Phazer adjusted to a sound you like record the result
to a new track.

Q: Can I use the Phazer on stage on a bass amp to improve
the mix in my monitors?

A: Yes. Bass players often complain of hot spots on stage where
the sound can be very boomy or where the bass will completely
disappear. This is caused by the interaction of the bass amplifi er
with the PA system. By inserting the Phazer into either the PA
system or the line-level insert on the bass amplifi er, this effect
can be minimized.

Q: Why not build the Phazer into a direct box?

A: Well, we originally did this only to fi nd out that nine out of ten
times the person who really needs to control the phase is at
the mix position. Trying to adjust the phase of a 100W Marshall
while standing right next to it is absolutely futile. You need to
hear both sources to make a value judgment.

Q: Can I use the Phazer like a pedal and sweep the sound?

A: Sure! You can create phase shifter effects by rotating the
knob back and forth to create fun effects. Half the fun in record­ing is creating new sounds. The Phazer should be viewed as a
fun tool to do just that.

Q: Can I create a similar phasing effect by sliding tracks on
my digital recorder?

A: Yes, however the phasing effect in the Phazer is 100%
analogue, it sounds very different. Also, the proprietary phase
curves we employ were developed by our engineering team to
sound good – not be clinically correct.

Q: Does it matter which input and output jacks I use?

A: Any combination of the Phazer’s I/O jacks can be used;
however, to maintain optimum signal-to-noise ratio and unity
gain, ensure the equipment connected to the Phazer’s input and
output share the same operating level and signal format. For
instance, if the source device outputs a balanced +4dB signal,
then the receiving device should accept this type of signal. To
determine the proper interface cables for the devices you are
using see the original manufacturer’s documentation.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

True to the Music

13

Radial Phazer Specifi cations*

Circuit: Class-A, 100% discrete components
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
THD: 0.01 % from 20Hz to 20kHz
¼” Phone I/O: TRS +4dB balanced

TIP: hot (+)
RING: cold (-);
SLEEVE: ground
TS -10dB unbalanced
TIP: hot (+);
SLEEVE: ground

XLR I/O: +4dB balanced,

PIN-1: ground
PIN-2: hot (+) AES standard

PIN-3: cold (-)
Input impedance: 10K Ohm
Output impedance: 600 Ohm balanced,

1K Ohm unbalanced
Ground Lift: Lifts pin-1 on the XLR output
Phase Shift: 0º to 180º degree control

Invert switch on: 181º to 360º
Low Pass Filter: Variable from 300Hz to 3.8KHz

and from 3KHz to 38KHz
Bypass: True-bypass with sealed gold relay
Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis and outer shell.

Baked enamel fi nish
Size: 5.8”w x 3.8”d x 1.8”h

(147mm x 96.5mm x 46mm)
Weight: 1.75 lb (0.82kg)
Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable
Power Supplies
Output Voltage: 15VDC (400mA), center pole positive

Input Voltage:
Part # R800 9407 00 120 volt - USA, Canada, Taiwan
Part # R800 9407 01 230 volt - Continental Europe
Part # R800 9407 02 230 volt - United Kingdom
Part # R800 9407 03 100 volt - Japan
Part # R800 9407 04 240 volt - Australia

* Subject to change without notice.

Radial Engineering

Phazer & Phazer-Bank

True to the Music

Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

www.radialeng.com

True to the Music

RADIAL LIMITED THREE YEAR

TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY

RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free
from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such
defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will
repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product
(excluding fi nish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for
a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event
that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right
to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value.
To make a request or claim under this limited transferable warranty, the
product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or
equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair center and you must
assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing
date of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for
work to be performed under this limited and transferable warranty. This
limited warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due
to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or
modifi cation by any other than an authorized Radial repair center.

THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE
ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES
WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE
RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE
YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS
ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY
GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU
LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.

Copyright © 2009 Radial Engineering Ltd.
Specifi cations and appearances subject to change without notice.
Radial Phazer™ & Phazer Bank™ owners manual v2.0 - Part #: R870 1216 00