A time-shift applied to individual tracks that removes timing differences between microphones, called “phase alignment,” is frequently promoted as a way to improve the clarity and definition of live-recorded drum tracks. Common techniques include manual and automated micro-timing adjustments and switching the electrical polarity of “problem” tracks. This study aimed to determine if there was a clear audible difference between an original and corrected recording. Using a paired comparison test, listeners were asked whether two audio samples were the same or different, and later, asked for individual preference between the two samples. Evidence here questions the tacit assumption that time-shift techniques have the claimed influence to greatly improve, or even appreciably alter, the observed quality of a drum mix.
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https://aes2.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22248
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