[ARSCLIST] Absolute Polarity

["Richard L. Hess" <arclists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While we have Clark Johnsen's attention here, I do have a question.

When we look at audio waveforms, we often see that the peak 
amplitudes are assymetrical while, obviously the total power on each 
side of "0" is the same (or there would be a DC offset).

In order to visualize the waveform, think of clock or watch hands 
that are balanced, but one side is longer while the other side is 
wider, but shorter. Same mass on each side.

Clark, are the higher peaks usually the positive peaks?

Let's say for brass and wind instruments?
Voice?
Drums--assuming distant mic placement, not something inside the kick?

What oddities have you found in this?

Thanks--that would be helpful in re-setting the absolute polarity in 
transfers of tapes that did not pay any attention to this.

I do have a copy of "The Wood Effect" and don't think that was 
mentioned in there, but maybe I missed it.

Cheers,

Richard

Richard L. Hess                   email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Aurora, Ontario, Canada       (905) 713 6733     1-877-TAPE-FIX
Detailed contact information: http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm
Quality tape transfers -- even from hard-to-play tapes.