THE POWER OF REVERB
By: Collin Makariak
In the world of music production, the careful use of reverb can elevate a mix from being poor to sublime. Reverb is essential in the mixing and mastering process, capable of adding depth, dimension, and a sense of space to any track. However, like any tool, it requires skill and finesse to wield effectively.
Reverb simulates the natural reflections of sound in a physical space. It’s what gives a voice or instrument its sense of environment, whether it’s a small, intimate room or a vast space such as a cathedral. There are many elements of reverb that need to be considered in your project:
Decay Time
Decay time is the length of time in milliseconds the reverbs effect stops following the sound signal. A shorter decay time creates a sense of closeness and intimacy, where as longer decay times create the illusion of distance and scale in the room.
Pre-Delay
Pre-delay determines the amount of time between the original sound and the onset of the reverb. With longer pre-delay you can avoid muddying the initial attack of the sound signal and with shorter pre-delay you can give your reverb a near instant impact on the overall sound.
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Size/Room Type
Different environments cause sound waves to reflect differently. Plug-ins will usually have options to replicate smaller rooms, concert halls, different kinds of plates, etc.
Mix Level
Balancing the dry (original) signal with the wet (reverb) signal is crucial for achieving a natural-sounding blend. Too much reverb can muddy a mix, while too little can lead to a sound that is flat and unpolished.
One of the primary roles of reverb in a mix is to aid in creating space for each instrument in your mix. By placing sounds in a virtual space, reverb can cause the listener to perceive certain instruments as closer or further away. Combine this aspect of reverb usage with other mixing techniques such as panning, and you can create an effective sound stage for the listener where every instrument and voice can be heard clearly.
Experiment with using different reverbs on various elements of the mix. For example, shorter, tighter reverbs can be applied to upfront sounds like vocals or percussion, while longer reverbs can be reserved for instruments you want to sit further back in your track. For example, if I was writing an orchestral piece, I could use longer decay times and hall reverbs for instruments found at the rear of the ensemble such as my brass and percussion sections, while using room reverbs with short decay times for my violins and violas, which are found near the front of the orchestra.