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6 of the best VST/AU phase alignment plugins to whip your mixes into shape

By Future Music
published 15 May 2019

Correcting phase issues might not be the most exciting task in music production, but at least it can be one of the easiest thanks to plugins like these…

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Intro

Intro

Issues with phase - that is, the alignment of two audio waveforms captured from the same source (the top and bottom mics on a snare drum, for example) – are commonly encountered when recording instruments or real-world sound sources, and can also result from environmental considerations.

While phase problems are often best addressed at source, there are numerous plugins available with which to correct them within your DAW. Here are six of our favourites…

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Page 1 of 7
1. UAD Little Labs IBP

1. UAD Little Labs IBP

A faithful software clone of Little Labs’ hardware In-Between Phase box, this simple but effective plugin for Universal Audio’s UAD-2 platforms allows you to adjust time delay and rotate phase in degrees.

Read full UAD Little Labs IBP Phase Alignment Tool review

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Page 2 of 7
2. Sound Radix Auto Align

2. Sound Radix Auto Align

This ‘point and shoot’ plugin is a handy way to do as its name suggests. Insert AutoAlign on the channel you want to align, pipe in a ‘reference’ sidechain signal, and it’ll then pull your signal in line with that reference.

Read full Sound Radix Auto Align review

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Page 3 of 7
3. MeldaProduction MAutoAlign

3. MeldaProduction MAutoAlign

This auto-alignment tool is also easy to use: pop an instance of MAutoAlign on all channels, hit the Analyze button, and the plugin will intelligently match up the timings of them all for you to tweak further.

Read more about MeldaProduction MAutoAlign

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Page 4 of 7
4. Eventide Precision Time Align

4. Eventide Precision Time Align

Need to shift the timing of a signal by a miniscule amount? Eventide have your back with this functional plugin. It allows you to shift time by a tiny 1/64th of a sample, and it constitutes a far quicker solution than moving audio around on your DAW’s timeline.

Read more about Eventide Precision Time Align

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Page 5 of 7
5. Waves InPhase

5. Waves InPhase

Available for purchase in both ‘regular’ and Live versions, Waves’ comprehensive phase correction plugin features a detailed phase-correlation meter, waveform view, sidechain input, gain balance and more.

Read full Waves InPhase review

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Page 6 of 7
6. Voxengo PHA-979

6. Voxengo PHA-979

Voxengo’s utilitarian device lets you alter time delay and phase rotation for the left and right channels independently, as well as adjust the pan and mix of the side signal. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done quickly.

Read more about Voxengo PHA-979

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Future Music
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Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

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