Riverflux Audio · Compare
Free polarity tools vs time-align vs PHIXER
Honest categories. Stock Invert / Utility mono, conceptual time-align (delay match), and spectral phase repair do different jobs. Use the cheapest honest fix first.
Download PHIXER free When not to use
No named competitor takedown. This page talks about tool categories you already own (polarity flip, mono utility) and the idea of time-aligning mics by delay, versus what PHIXER is for: residual frequency-dependent L/R cancellation on material that should stay stereo.
Three categories
| Free polarity / Utility mono | Time-align (conceptual) | PHIXER spectral phase repair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | 180° flip on a track or channel; fold to mono to audition cancellation. | Slides one path in time so peaks/transients line up (mic distance, DI vs cab). | Rotates relative L/R phase in a chosen band so mono does not hollow unevenly. |
| Best for | Wiring / mic polarity mistakes; quick A/B; mono-check discipline. | Dual mics or dual paths that are clearly late vs early. | Already-stereo layers that still cancel by frequency after polarity and timing are sane. |
| Not enough when | Conflict is not a single global flip (sub dies, mids stay). | Paths are time-aligned but still fight spectrally across bands. | Problem is EQ balance, true mono source, or intentional Haas width. |
| Cost / shape | Stock DAW Utility / Ø / mono button. | Stock nudge, align tool, or dedicated delay-match. | Free PHIXER Amount + From/To (VST3/CLAP/AU, Win/Mac/Linux). |
When to use which
- Start with polarity + mono check. Flip one side. If the hole fills cleanly, stop. Keep the free Utility mono button as your ear.
- Then time-align if you can see or hear one path late (snare bottom, cab vs DI, spaced OH). Delay match until the attack agrees.
- Then PHIXER only if mono still loses body on stereo material that must remain stereo. Band-limit the repair; re-check stereo and full mix.
- Skip PHIXER when the source is already mono, when you want width for creative Haas, or when EQ/balance is the real issue. See when not to use.
What PHIXER is not claiming
- It does not replace Invert Phase on dual-mic yes/no cases.
- It is not a time-align / delay-match tool.
- It is not a widener, imager, or compressor.
- It does not defame any paid aligner or stock utility; those stay first-line when they fit.