How to Use a Phase Correlation Meter to Check For Mono Compatability

The correlation meter is an invaluable tool for checking your mix's mono compatibility. It offers instant visual confirmation that everything sounds as it should when listened to in stereo.

A correlation meter reading of +1 indicates perfect correlation between both channels. Conversely, if it reads -1, this indicates an out of phase situation between left and right channels which could lead to mono-compatibility problems.

1. Check for a +1 reading

A phase correlation meter can be an invaluable asset when mixing mono audio. A positive reading indicates the left and right channels are in phase, ideal for mono audio; on the other hand, a negative reading means one channel is out of phase while the other is in phase - leading to issues in mono mixes.

A +1 reading is typically displayed as a single vertical line, signaling that both channels are in phase. However, some meters may display multiple lines slanted 45 degrees to either left or right.

If the meter displays a series of lines that appear slanted, this indicates one or more channels are out of phase. This could cause low-frequency rolloff or other mono compatibility issues.

Most mixers feature a phase meter in Analyze Audio selection mode to monitor how changes to delay time affect the phase of two channels. Adding extra delay time may help make signals more in phase, leading to improved mixing results.

I often use a phase meter on the master output bus and solo individual tracks to get an understanding of their level and stereo spread in relation to one another. This provides more detail than simply looking over pan pots alone, and it may flag issues that I might otherwise overlook.

Another useful phase meter is a Lissajous Vectorscope, which plots per sample dots on an oscilloscope display. Unlike traditional oscilloscopes, this one uses polar coordinates; patterns that appear within 45-degree safe lines indicate in-phase signals while those outside these lines indicate out-of-phase audio.

When using a Lissajous Vectorscope, I always aim for both channels panned 100% towards the center; this creates an unbroken line on the meter which indicates mono compatibility. To confirm, I press the Correlation bar graph button at the bottom of my screen; when this reaches 1.00, it indicates both channels are in phase and the track is mono.

2. Check for a 0 reading

The meter displays a bar graph that goes from -1 to +1, when it's at 0, that means there is no phase issue and everything should sound great in mono. On the other hand, when it's at -1, that means both channels are out of phase which could result in your mixes sounding 'hollow' or'sucked out' when played back mono.

When mixing Mid-Side encoded signals, you should also monitor the correlation meter to see how the Mid/Side EQ is altering the stereo channel relationship. As you move the Mid/Side EQ up in frequency spectrum, both the correlation meter and stereo information will shift accordingly - this can help you track the effects of your changes more easily.

When both L and R channels have sufficient amplitude, your correlation meter should read -0 or as close to zero as possible. This is because the average wave peaks should be as close to 90 degrees apart as mathematically possible, eliminating bleed or identical resonant waves that might interfere when combined into mono (voltages) or pressure waves directed at each other in an anechoic chamber.

A correlation meter will display a line going from +100% to 0 position; this represents the same thing as +100% signal. When both left and right channels are fully correlated, they will both be in phase. Therefore, pressing mono on either channel sends out both L and R signals simultaneously - creating an identical stereo source; any sound that was introduced that is out of phase would cancel out on mono, leading to music sounding 'hollow' or sucked out' when playing in mono!

If you don't have access to a phase correlation meter, most DAWs come with one built-in. This displays as a vertical +1/0/-1 scale and will draw towards the top when both channels are in phase; when they differ, this metric will pull towards the bottom.

3. Check for a -1 reading

Mono compatibility is an essential aspect of audio production. It plays a significant role when pressing vinyl and listening over headphones, as well as impacting audio on laptop speakers and other mono speakers.

One way to confirm mono compatibility is using a phase correlation meter. These meters visually demonstrate the phase relationship between two sources and can be used by anyone.

Checking for mono compatibility is an effective method that can identify issues that are difficult to discern through listening alone. For instance, if your meter reading reads far left on your display, this indicates out-of-phase signals in your mix which could result in cancellations or other audio issues.

When using a phase correlation meter to check for mono compatibility, it's essential to learn how to read the needle accurately. A reading of +1 or 0 on your meter indicates that both channels are in phase.

The meter typically displays these three stages on a linear scale from -1 (switched polarity) over 0 (unrelated) to 1 (identical). This is because the cosine of 0 degrees is 1; when your meter reads -1, this indicates there may be out-of-phase elements in your stereo mix which could interfere with mono compatibility.

To gain clarity, setting your correlation meter to either +1 or 0 gives an indication of what's wrong and provides guidance on how to resolve it.

Another way to test for mono compatibility is using a Lissajous Vectorscope, which plots per-sample dots on an oscilloscope. Generally, stereo recordings produce random patterns on this tool that are taller than they are wide - an indication that both channels sound similar.

Alternatively, you can also use a Multicorrelator to view the phase relationships between multiple source pairs in one convenient display. This is an invaluable resource for anyone attempting to identify stereo track phase issues before they become noticeable and have an adverse effect on your project sound quality.

4. Check for a +1 reading

A phase correlation meter is a useful plugin that checks for mono compatibility in stereo mixes. You'll find this type of meter in many high-end mixing consoles and metering plug-ins, making it an essential part of any mastering workflow.

Vinyl mastering relied heavily on phase meters, and they remain important today. A bar graph displayed on a meter shows how in-phase or out-of-phase stereo signals were. Numbers range from -1 (left and right channels 180 degrees out of phase) to +1, meaning perfect mono compatibility is achieved.

Correlation is an essential aspect of stereo imaging and essential for keeping multitracked instruments in sync with each other and the rest of the mix. A simple way to achieve this is by flipping one mic out of phase while your musician plays, allowing them to be reflected back on the other channel and cancel each other out as much as possible.

Once your sound is in sync, you can then use a broader-side processing plugin to enhance the stereo image without sacrificing mono compatibility. For instance, Studio One's Binaural Pan plugin can be employed to amplify massed choir-like vocals for better stereo separation.

When making adjustments to the settings for a mid-side plug-in, you should monitor your phase meter to guarantee you've reached your desired result. When audio is mono compatible, the meter will fluctuate between +1 and zero; so, be sure that none of your changes compromise the phase relationship between your two channels.

The phase meter is an invaluable asset in your mastering workflow, especially if you need to do any post-mastering work or make minor tweaks to the stereo image before releasing it for public consumption. It provides a quick and effortless way to ensure all tracks are in sync before they go live.

A correlation meter is an invaluable asset in your mix workflow, especially if you're doing any post-mastering or your client requires hearing their mix in mono before it goes public. It's a quick and effortless check that should be made before releasing your track for public consumption; plus, having one handy can help avoid any future headaches down the line.