What is Reverb? The Reverb Resource for Audio engineers

As an audio engineer, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is reverb. Reverb is a critical element in music production that can give your tracks a sense of space and depth. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of reverb, including what it is, how it works, and how to use it effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Reverb?
3. Types of Reverb
   1. Hall Reverb
   2. Plate Reverb
   3. Spring Reverb
   4. Chamber Reverb
   5. Convolution Reverb
4. How Reverb Works
5. Understanding the Controls
   1. Decay Time
   2. Pre-Delay
   3. Size
   4. High and Low Cut
   5. Wet/Dry Mix
6. Using Reverb Effectively
   1. Choosing the Right Type of Reverb
   2. Setting the Controls
   3. Layering Reverb
   4. Creating Space and Depth
7. Tips and Tricks
   1. EQing Reverb
   2. Using Reverb for Special Effects
   3. Creative Use of Reverb
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

What is Reverb?

Reverb is a sound effect that is created when sound waves bounce off surfaces in an enclosed space. When a sound is made in a room, it bounces off the walls, ceiling, and floor, creating a series of reflections that blend together to create a sense of space and depth. Reverb is an essential tool for audio engineers because it can be used to make recordings sound more natural and give them a sense of space.

Types of Reverb

There are several types of reverb, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of reverb:

Hall Reverb

Hall reverb is named after the large, cavernous spaces in which it was originally created. It is a natural-sounding reverb that can give your tracks a sense of depth and space.

Plate Reverb

Plate reverb is created by sending sound waves through a large metal plate. It has a smooth, even sound that is often used on vocals and drums.

Spring Reverb

Spring reverb is created by sending sound waves through a set of metal springs. It has a distinctive, metallic sound that is often used on guitar and synth tracks.

Chamber Reverb

Chamber reverb is created by placing a speaker and microphone in a small, enclosed space. It has a warm, natural sound that is often used on acoustic instruments.

Convolution Reverb

Convolution reverb is a digital reverb that uses impulse responses to recreate the sound of real spaces. It can be used to create highly realistic reverb effects.

How Reverb Works

Reverb works by creating a series of reflections that blend together to create a sense of space and depth. When a sound is made in a room, it bounces off the walls, ceiling, and floor, creating a series of reflections that blend together to create a sense of space and depth. Reverb can be created naturally, or it can be simulated using digital signal processing.

Understanding the Controls

There are several controls that you can use to adjust the sound of your reverb effect. Here are some of the most common controls:

Decay Time

Decay time controls how long it takes for the reverb effect to fade away. A longer decay time will give your tracks a more spacious sound.

Pre-Delay

Pre-delay controls the amount of time between the original sound and the start of the reverb effect. Increasing the pre-delay can help to create a sense of separation between the original sound and the reverb, while decreasing it can make the reverb sound more closely tied to the original sound.

Size

Size controls the virtual size of the space in which the reverb effect is occurring. Increasing the size can make the reverb sound like it is occurring in a larger space, while decreasing it can make it sound like a smaller space.

High and Low Cut

High and low cut controls allow you to adjust the frequency range of the reverb effect. High cut controls how much high-frequency content is in the reverb, while low cut controls how much low-frequency content is in the reverb.

Wet/Dry Mix

Wet/dry mix controls the balance between the original sound and the reverb effect. A higher wet level means more reverb, while a lower wet level means less reverb.

Using Reverb Effectively

Using reverb effectively requires careful consideration of the type of reverb being used, as well as the settings of the various controls. Here are some tips for using reverb effectively:

Choosing the Right Type of Reverb

Different types of reverb are suited to different types of instruments and sounds. For example, hall reverb is often used on orchestral instruments, while plate reverb is often used on vocals and drums.

Setting the Controls

Experiment with the various controls to find the settings that work best for your track. Don’t be afraid to make drastic changes to the settings – sometimes the best results come from pushing the controls to their limits.

Layering Reverb

Layering different types of reverb can help to create a more complex and interesting sound. For example, you could use a short plate reverb to add a sense of immediacy to a vocal, and then layer a longer hall reverb on top to create a sense of space and depth.

Creating Space and Depth

Reverb can be used to create a sense of space and depth in your tracks. Try using a longer decay time and a larger size setting to create a more spacious sound.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks for using reverb:

EQing Reverb

Don’t be afraid to EQ your reverb effect to fit better in the mix. For example, you could cut out some of the low end to prevent the reverb from muddying up the mix.

Using Reverb for Special Effects

Reverb can be used to create a wide range of special effects, from subtle room simulations to otherworldly soundscapes.

Creative Use of Reverb

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your use of reverb. For example, you could automate the decay time to create a sense of movement in the track.

Conclusion

Reverb is an essential tool for audio engineers that can be used to add space and depth to recordings. By understanding the different types of reverb, the various controls, and how to use reverb effectively, you can take your tracks to the next level.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between reverb and delay?

• While reverb and delay are both effects that can be used to add space to a recording, reverb creates a more complex and diffuse sound, while delay creates a more simple and rhythmic effect.

2. How can I avoid muddiness when using reverb?

• One way to avoid muddiness when using reverb is to cut out some of the low end with an EQ.

3. Can reverb be used in live sound?

• Yes, reverb can be used in live sound to add space and depth to a performance.

4. What is convolution reverb?

• Convolution reverb is a digital reverb that uses impulse responses to recreate the sound of real spaces.