12Phase

What is phase?

Phase, in sound theory at least, describes the time relationship between two or more sine waves of the same frequency. Phase is measured in degrees. A sine wave starts when its cycle starts—denoted by 0°. One complete cycle signifies 360° (which is also 0°), half a cycle 180°, a quarter of a cycle 90°, and so forth. If one sine wave reaches a quarter of its cycle when a cycle begins on another sine wave of the same frequency, the two are said to be 90° out of phase (Figure 12.1).

Figure 12.1 Two identical sine waves 90° out of phase with each other.

Figure 12.1 Two identical sine waves 90° out of phase with each other.

The degree of phase shift is dependent on the time gap between the two ...

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