Who invented phasing?
1 Answer
Phasing is a musical effect that manipulates the timing and phase relationships of audio signals to create a sweeping, shifting sound. The invention and popularization of phasing, particularly in the context of modern music production, is most closely associated with **Leslie "J.J." Johnson** (an engineer at the company Electro-Harmonix), and **David Van Koevering**, a music producer and engineer.
However, the roots of phasing can be traced back even further, to the **1950s**, when audio engineers began experimenting with the concept of phase shifting.
### Key Developments in the Invention of Phasing:
1. **Early Experiments (1950s)**: The concept of phase shifting was explored as early as the 1950s by audio engineers, but it wasn’t yet fully developed as a musical effect. The idea of phase shifting is based on altering the phase relationship between two signals, often by delaying one signal slightly and mixing it with the original to create constructive and destructive interference patterns. These changes in the phase can result in a sweeping, whooshing sound.
2. **The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (1975)**: The real breakthrough in the use of phasing as a musical effect came in the mid-1970s, particularly with the release of the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress. This was a flanger/phase shifter pedal, created by **David Van Koevering**, which allowed musicians to use phase shifting in real-time during performances. The Electric Mistress became highly popular, especially in rock music, due to its ability to produce deep, sweeping phase effects.
3. **The Phase Shifter Pedals**: Around the same time, the **MXR Phase 90** (released in 1974) became one of the most iconic and widely used phase shifter pedals in music. It was developed by **Dave T. O'Brien** and **Jim Dunlop**, and it brought the phasing effect to the mainstream. Its design was simple but effective, featuring a single knob for controlling the intensity of the effect. This pedal became a staple of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and others, and it solidified phasing as a popular effect in rock music.
4. **Further Advancements and Applications**: The phasing effect continued to evolve over the next few decades. It became integrated into various studio recording techniques and hardware, including multitrack recording setups, where engineers could manipulate phase relationships across different tracks to create complex sounds. The effect was also used in synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
### Phasing in Music and Its Impact
The phasing effect became extremely popular in the **1970s and 1980s**, particularly in genres like rock, progressive rock, and electronic music. Guitarists, for instance, used phasers to create swirling, psychedelic sounds. It was used by famous musicians like **Jimi Hendrix**, **Van Halen**, and **Pink Floyd**.
Phasing was also embraced in **psychedelic rock**, where the shift in phase could create surreal and dreamy textures in the music. The technique added depth and movement to sound, and it was often used in combination with other effects like reverb and delay.
### Conclusion
While no single person can be credited with the "invention" of phasing, the development and popularization of phasing as a distinct musical effect can be attributed to engineers like **David Van Koevering** (Electro-Harmonix), **Leslie "J.J." Johnson**, and creators of notable phase-shifting pedals like the **MXR Phase 90**. Through their work, phasing became a significant part of the sonic palette in modern music, from its origins in experimental audio manipulation to its widespread use in guitar and electronic music.
However, the roots of phasing can be traced back even further, to the **1950s**, when audio engineers began experimenting with the concept of phase shifting.
### Key Developments in the Invention of Phasing:
1. **Early Experiments (1950s)**: The concept of phase shifting was explored as early as the 1950s by audio engineers, but it wasn’t yet fully developed as a musical effect. The idea of phase shifting is based on altering the phase relationship between two signals, often by delaying one signal slightly and mixing it with the original to create constructive and destructive interference patterns. These changes in the phase can result in a sweeping, whooshing sound.
2. **The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (1975)**: The real breakthrough in the use of phasing as a musical effect came in the mid-1970s, particularly with the release of the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress. This was a flanger/phase shifter pedal, created by **David Van Koevering**, which allowed musicians to use phase shifting in real-time during performances. The Electric Mistress became highly popular, especially in rock music, due to its ability to produce deep, sweeping phase effects.
3. **The Phase Shifter Pedals**: Around the same time, the **MXR Phase 90** (released in 1974) became one of the most iconic and widely used phase shifter pedals in music. It was developed by **Dave T. O'Brien** and **Jim Dunlop**, and it brought the phasing effect to the mainstream. Its design was simple but effective, featuring a single knob for controlling the intensity of the effect. This pedal became a staple of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and others, and it solidified phasing as a popular effect in rock music.
4. **Further Advancements and Applications**: The phasing effect continued to evolve over the next few decades. It became integrated into various studio recording techniques and hardware, including multitrack recording setups, where engineers could manipulate phase relationships across different tracks to create complex sounds. The effect was also used in synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
### Phasing in Music and Its Impact
The phasing effect became extremely popular in the **1970s and 1980s**, particularly in genres like rock, progressive rock, and electronic music. Guitarists, for instance, used phasers to create swirling, psychedelic sounds. It was used by famous musicians like **Jimi Hendrix**, **Van Halen**, and **Pink Floyd**.
Phasing was also embraced in **psychedelic rock**, where the shift in phase could create surreal and dreamy textures in the music. The technique added depth and movement to sound, and it was often used in combination with other effects like reverb and delay.
### Conclusion
While no single person can be credited with the "invention" of phasing, the development and popularization of phasing as a distinct musical effect can be attributed to engineers like **David Van Koevering** (Electro-Harmonix), **Leslie "J.J." Johnson**, and creators of notable phase-shifting pedals like the **MXR Phase 90**. Through their work, phasing became a significant part of the sonic palette in modern music, from its origins in experimental audio manipulation to its widespread use in guitar and electronic music.