How do you use a goniometer to visualize and adjust your master?
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A goniometer is a type of meter that displays the stereo signal as a series of dots or lines on a grid. The horizontal axis represents the left and right channels, and the vertical axis represents the sum and difference of the channels. The shape and size of the dots or lines indicate the correlation and phase of the signal. A goniometer can help you identify and correct issues such as phase cancellation, mono compatibility, and stereo imbalance.
To read a goniometer, pay attention to the position, direction, and density of the dots or lines. A dot or line in the center of the grid means that the signal is mono or perfectly correlated. A dot or line on the sides of the grid means that the signal is stereo or uncorrelated. A dot or line above or below the center line means that the signal is out of phase or has polarity issues. A dense cluster of dots or lines means that the signal has a wide stereo image, while a sparse or thin cluster means that the signal has a narrow stereo image.
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Recommend following heading & text: “Visualizing the Stereo Field Here’s where the Goniometer proves its worth. It’s key to achieving a well-balanced and accurate stereo image. This device helps us identify issues like: ? Phase cancellation ? Mono compatibility problems ? Stereo balance issues It also gives insights into the overall ‘width’ of the mix, with wider mixes showing more dispersed patterns and narrower or mono mixes showing more centralized patterns.”
The stereo width of your master is the perceived difference between the left and right channels. It affects the spaciousness, depth, and clarity of your sound. To adjust the stereo width, use a goniometer to monitor the density and shape of the signal. Use a stereo enhancer or a mid-side processor to manipulate the sum and difference of the channels. A common technique is to boost the difference signal to increase the width, or reduce it to decrease the width. However, be careful not to overdo it, as it can cause phase issues, reduce the mono compatibility, or create an unnatural sound.
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Recommend following heading & text: “Mastering a Track with a Goniometer When it comes to mastering a track, the Goniometer guides precise adjustments to the stereo image. For instance, if the mix is too wide, techniques like narrowing the sides or boosting the mono (mid) content can be used to refine the image. Conversely, if the mix is too narrow, techniques like stereo expansion, panning adjustments, or increasing the sides’ content can enhance the stereo width.”
The stereo balance of your master is the perceived level and pan of the left and right channels. It affects the centering, symmetry, and focus of your sound. To adjust the stereo balance, you can use a goniometer to monitor the position and direction of the signal, and use a balance or a pan control to shift the signal to the left or right. A common technique is to balance the signal so that it is centered on the grid, or slightly off-center to create some interest or movement. However, be careful not to shift the signal too much, as it can cause a loss of power, detail, or coherence.
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(Continued) “How would you address this? Use mid-side processing. Boost the dominant frequencies of the distant instruments in the mid-channel, and apply gentle compression for a cohesive image. To address phase issues, cut the frequencies where phase cancellation was observed on the side channel. After these adjustments, the Goniometer’s pattern becomes less wide and more focused, and the phase cancellation lines reduce, confirming your adjustments’ effectiveness.”
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Recommend the following heading & text: “A Goniometer at Work: A Practical Example Let’s bring this to life with a practical example. Imagine mastering a symphonic orchestra recording. The Goniometer shows an almost circular pattern indicating a wide stereo image. But some instruments from the sides seem a little distant, and there are lines suggesting potential phase cancellation issues. (To be continued…)”
A goniometer can be a useful tool for visualizing and adjusting the stereo image of your master, however, it is not a replacement for your ears. To avoid common pitfalls and problems when using a goniometer, don't rely solely on it; use your ears and compare it to other reference tracks. Don't obsess over the shape and size of the signal as the goniometer is not a measure of quality or creativity. Keep in mind the frequency spectrum, as the goniometer only shows the overall correlation and phase of the signal. Use a spectrum analyzer or an EQ to check and adjust the frequency balance and distribution of your master. Lastly, don't neglect mono compatibility as the goniometer only shows the stereo signal. Use a mono switch or a correlation meter to check and adjust the mono compatibility of your master and avoid phase cancellation or energy loss.
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A goniometer is like most metering a useful aid. Monitoring with mono and phase reverse will enable you to hear the difference signal. Frequency conscious manipulation of the difference signal is a useful tool. For example, a track with a bright vocal, but dull instrumentation can be helped by brightening the sides as this avoids affecting the vocal and causing it to become harsh.
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