Reverb

What is Reverb?

Reverb (reverberation) is the collection of reflections that occur when sound bounces off surfaces in a space. It creates the sense of depth, size, and environment in your mix—from intimate rooms to massive cathedrals.

Natural reverb happens everywhere—your bedroom, a concert hall, a parking garage. In mixing, we use artificial reverb to place sounds in virtual spaces and add dimension to dry recordings.

Why Reverb Matters

• Creates Space: Simulates acoustic environments from small rooms to large halls
• Adds Depth: Places elements forward or back in the mix
• Glues Elements: Makes separate recordings sound like they're in the same space
• Enhances Tone: Adds richness, warmth, and character
• Fills Gaps: Smooths transitions and fills empty space
• Creates Mood: Intimate vs. epic, natural vs. otherworldly

Reverb Parameters Explained

Decay Time (RT60)

What it does: How long reverb takes to fade to silence

• Short (0.5-1.5s): Small rooms, tight spaces
• Medium (1.5-3s): Medium halls, natural spaces
• Long (3-10s+): Large halls, cathedrals, special effects

Pre-Delay

What it does: Gap between dry signal and reverb onset

• 0-20ms: Immediate, natural room sound
• 20-50ms: Separates dry from wet, adds clarity
• 50-100ms+: Distinct slap-back before reverb
• Tip: Match pre-delay to tempo (1/16 note = clarity)

Size

What it does: Simulated room dimensions

• Small = tight, intimate
• Medium = natural, balanced
• Large = spacious, epic

Damping

What it does: Absorbs high frequencies over time

• Low damping = bright, metallic spaces
• High damping = warm, soft spaces (carpets, curtains)

Diffusion

What it does: How scattered/smooth the reflections are

• Low diffusion = distinct echoes, flutter
• High diffusion = smooth, dense tail

Mix/Wet-Dry

What it does: Balance between original and reverb signal

• Use sends/returns for flexibility (recommended)
• Or use wet/dry knob on insert (less flexible)
• Typical: 10-30% wet for subtle space

Reverb Types

Room

Sound: Small, intimate, natural

Use for: Subtle space, making dry recordings feel real

Settings: Decay 0.5-1.5s, short pre-delay

Hall

Sound: Large, spacious, smooth

Use for: Vocals, strings, cinematic sounds

Settings: Decay 2-4s, medium pre-delay

Plate

Sound: Bright, dense, vintage

Use for: Vocals, drums, classic mixes

Settings: Decay 1-3s, minimal pre-delay

Spring

Sound: Boingy, vintage, lo-fi

Use for: Guitars, surf rock, retro vibes

Settings: Decay 1-2s, character-dependent

Chamber

Sound: Natural, reflective, classic

Use for: Vocals, orchestral, vintage recordings

Settings: Decay 1-2.5s, natural diffusion

Shimmer

Sound: Ethereal, pitched, otherworldly

Use for: Pads, ambient, special effects

Settings: Long decay, high feedback, pitch shift

Step-by-Step Reverb

1. Choose Your Type

• Room for subtle, natural space
• Hall for vocals and leads
• Plate for drums and vintage vibe

2. Set Decay Time

• Fast songs = shorter decay (avoid mud)
• Slow songs = longer decay (fill space)
• Start at 1.5-2s and adjust

3. Add Pre-Delay

• Calculate: 60,000 / BPM = quarter note in ms
• Use 1/16 or 1/8 note for clarity
• Example: 120 BPM = 500ms quarter, 125ms 1/16

4. Shape with EQ

• HPF at 200-400 Hz (remove mud)
• LPF at 8-12 kHz (remove harshness)
• Keep reverb in the "air" frequencies

5. Set Mix Level

• Use send/return for flexibility
• Start at -20dB send level
• Adjust until you feel space but don't hear wetness

Example Settings

Lead Vocals (Modern)

• Type: Hall or Plate
• Decay: 1.8-2.5s
• Pre-delay: 30-50ms (1/16 note)
• HPF: 300 Hz, LPF: 10 kHz
• Mix: 15-25%

Snare Drum

• Type: Plate or Room
• Decay: 1.2-1.8s
• Pre-delay: 0-20ms
• HPF: 400 Hz, LPF: 8 kHz
• Mix: 20-40% (parallel)

Acoustic Guitar

• Type: Room or Small Hall
• Decay: 1.0-1.5s
• Pre-delay: 20-30ms
• HPF: 250 Hz, LPF: 12 kHz
• Mix: 10-20%

Ambient Pad

• Type: Hall or Shimmer
• Decay: 4-8s
• Pre-delay: 50-100ms
• HPF: 200 Hz, LPF: 15 kHz
• Mix: 40-60%

Advanced Techniques

Gated Reverb

Reverb that cuts off abruptly (80s drums).

• Add reverb to snare
• Insert gate after reverb
• Set gate to close after 200-400ms
• Creates huge, punchy sound

Reverse Reverb

Reverb that builds up before the sound.

• Reverse audio, add reverb, reverse again
• Creates anticipation and drama
• Great for vocal swells and transitions

Ducked Reverb

Reverb that ducks when dry signal is present.

• Sidechain compressor on reverb return
• Trigger from dry vocal
• Keeps vocals clear, adds space in gaps

Layered Reverbs

Multiple reverbs for depth and complexity.

• Short room (0.8s) for intimacy
• Medium hall (2s) for space
• Long hall (4s) for depth
• Blend to taste

Common Mistakes

• Too much reverb: Makes mix muddy and distant
• No pre-delay: Reverb masks the dry signal
• No EQ on reverb: Low-end mud and high-end harshness
• Same reverb on everything: Lacks depth and dimension
• Reverb on bass: Creates mud—use sparingly
• Ignoring decay time vs. tempo: Long reverb in fast songs = mud
• Using reverb as insert: Less flexible than send/return

Pro Tips

• Less is more: If you can hear it clearly, it's too much
• Use sends/returns: More control, less CPU
• EQ your reverb: HPF at 300 Hz, LPF at 10 kHz minimum
• Match pre-delay to tempo: Keeps reverb rhythmic
• Automate reverb sends: More on choruses, less on verses
• Use different reverbs: Room for drums, hall for vocals
• Mono vs. stereo: Mono reverb for focus, stereo for width
• Reference professional mixes: Study how they use space

Genre-Specific Reverb

Hip Hop

Minimal, tight reverb. Short rooms (0.8-1.2s) on vocals, gated reverb on snares. Keep it dry and upfront.

Rock

Medium reverb for energy. Plate on drums (1.5-2s), hall on vocals (2-2.5s). Balance space with punch.

EDM

Creative, varied reverb. Short on drums, long on pads. Use automation heavily. Ducked reverb on vocals.

Jazz

Natural, room-based reverb. Simulate live space (1.5-2.5s). Minimal processing, focus on realism.