Phase
Phase describes the timing relationship between similar waveforms and can affect clarity or cancellation.
Explanation
Phase becomes important when similar sounds are captured or played together, especially with multiple microphones. If signals are out of phase, some frequencies may cancel and the sound may seem weak or hollow. While this is a more advanced concept, basic awareness is useful when recording the same source with more than one microphone or checking mono compatibility.
Interactive demonstrator
Move two waveforms in and out of phase
Wave B has the same frequency and amplitude as Wave A. Move its phase to see where the two shapes reinforce each other or cancel in the combined result.
In phase: peaks and troughs align.
Audio is generated in the browser only after pressing Start tone. Use a low device volume before testing cancellation. Interaction concept inspired by Bartosz Ciechanowski's Sound explainer.