Ever slapped some reverb on a track and called it a day? Sure, it might add some depth, but is it really doing your mix any favors? Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, understanding the different types of reverb and when to use them is what separates a decent mix from a professional one. This guide will walk you through the seven main types of reverb, explaining what each one does, how to set them up, and when to use them in your mix.
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Room Reverb
Room reverb provides an intimate, ‘you’re in the room’ feel, adding subtle space without overwhelming the mix. It’s perfect for making instruments sound cohesive, as if they were recorded together in the same space.
The SP2016 Signal Processor is a rackmount box celebrated as one of the best digital reverbs ever created. Known for its ability to deliver authentic and lush room reverb, it was a favorite among mix engineers looking to add natural ambiance to their tracks. The SP2016 Reverb plug-in features various reverb types, including Room, Stereo Room and Hi-Density plate, each offering unique sound characteristics. The Position Control is what truly sets this reverb apart. With a simple slide, you can effortlessly move your sound from a close, intimate spot at the front of the room to a distant, ambient space at the back, giving you unmatched control over your mix’s spatial depth.
When to Use Room Reverb:
- Vocals: Start with 20-30% wet for warmth and presence. Adjust Position Control towards the front for a more intimate vocal or towards the back for a more ambient, spacious sound.
- Drums: Enhance the realism of the kit with a 25-40% wet mix. Using the Position Control, place the snare towards the front to add punch, while moving overheads to the back for a larger, more expansive room feel.
- Guitars: A 15-25% wet mix can provide subtle lift and vibrancy.
- Pianos: Begin with 30% wet to add depth and character.
Plate Reverb
Plate reverb offers a bright and lush sound, resembling a vibrating metal sheet. It’s ideal for making vocals and percussions shimmer and stand out. Its dense, smooth reverb tail enhances the overall ambiance without overpowering the original sound.
SP2016 Reverb’s Hi-Density Plate adds lushness and brightness to your mix. The plug-in’s ability to blend direct sound with the reverb tail gives you precise control over the reverb’s character. The SP2016’s unique Position control ensures that the shimmering effect enhances your mix without overwhelming it.
When to Use Plate Reverb:
- Vocals: For a polished sound, start with a 30-50% wet mix.
- Snare Drums: Use 40-60% wet to enhance snap and body.
- Guitars: A 25-40% wet mix provides a spacious, lush background.
- Pianos: Begin with 35% wet for a smooth, rich texture.
Hall Reverb
Hall reverb adds an expansive, luxurious quality, making your tracks sound larger than life. It mimics the acoustics of a grand concert hall, providing depth and grandeur to any element in your mix.
Developed with Tony Visconti, Tverb is ideal for creating lush, expansive hall reverb. Its unique three-mic setup allows you to blend direct sound with room reflections, simulating the spaciousness of a grand concert hall. The ability to position and adjust the virtual mics provides exceptional control over the reverb’s character and depth.
When to Use Hall Reverb:
- Vocals: Start with a 40-60% wet mix for space and presence.
- Orchestral Instruments: Use 50-70% wet to mimic a live orchestra.
- Guitar Solos: Begin with 30-50% wet to add depth and drama.
- Pianos: For ballads, start with 40-60% wet for rich resonance.
Gated Reverb
Gated reverb is punchy and powerful, making drums sound like they’re leaping out of the speakers. It was a staple of the 80s and remains a favorite for its distinct sound.
Tverb excels at creating that classic gated reverb sound. By using its three-mic setup and advanced gating options, you can precisely control the reverb tail, ensuring it cuts off abruptly for a punchy, impactful effect.
When to Use Gated Reverb:
- Drums: Use 50-70% wet for that iconic 80s snap.
- Toms: Start with 40-60% wet to add definition and punch.
- Percussive Elements: Begin with 45-65% wet to enhance impact.
- Woodwind Instruments: Apply 30-50% wet to give woodwinds a sharp, punchy presence without overwhelming the natural timbre.
- Tony Visconti’s “Three-mic Vocal Technique”: To emulate the famous gated reverb effect used on David Bowie’s “Heroes,” place a mic further back in the room, heavily gate the reverb, and blend it with the dry vocal for a dynamic, ethereal quality.
Chamber Reverb
Chamber reverb balances intimacy with lushness, providing a bright and lively sound. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a room with the lushness of a hall.
UltraReverb is one of the most comprehensive options for available reverb types. It covers all types, as well as built-in EQ, Compressor, Delay, and Modulation for more control over dynamics and texture.
When to Use Chamber Reverb:
- Vocals: Start with a 30-50% wet mix for a bright, lively ambiance.
- Lead Instruments: Begin with 25-40% wet to add space without overwhelming.
- Percussion: Use 30-45% wet for dynamic, lively reverb.
- Backup Vocals: Apply a 20-35% wet mix to blend them smoothly into the mix while retaining clarity.
- Strings: Use 35-50% wet to add warmth and depth, enhancing the richness of the ensemble.
Immersive Reverb
Spatial or immersive reverb is revolutionizing the mixing world by adding a three-dimensional quality to audio, creating a sense of space and depth previously unattainable with traditional reverb. This trend benefits mixes by enhancing the listener’s experience, making sounds feel more natural and enveloping.
Blackhole Immersive excels at creating vast, 3D reverb environments. Modulation and feedback controls craft reverb tails that move and evolve, making it ideal for Dolby Atmos mixes and immersive audio productions. The best part? It’s not restricted to Dolby Atmos—you can enrich your stereo mix with immersive space because the Blackhole Immersive plug-in can also be used in a stereo DAW project.
When to Use Spatial/Immersive Reverb:
- Ambient Tracks: Use 50-70% wet to create deep, enveloping soundscapes.
- Sound Effects: Start with 60-80% wet for a vast, immersive feel.
- Atmospheric Elements: Begin with 55-75% wet to enhance depth and dimension.
Spring Reverb
Spring reverb brings a distinctive, vintage character to a mix, adding a metallic, boingy texture that’s perfect for certain genres and instruments. Its unique sound can add depth and personality, making it an excellent choice for various applications.
Spring is a highly versatile plug-in that emulates the classic sound of spring reverb found in vintage guitar amplifiers and outboard gear. Known for its distinctive boingy and metallic character, this reverb type adds a unique retro vibe to any mix.
When to Use Spring Reverb:
- Guitars: Start with 30-50% wet for a classic surf-rock or rockabilly vibe.
- Vocals: Use 25-40% wet to add warmth with a retro touch.
- Snare Drums: Begin with 35-50% wet for a lively, resonant sound.
- Keys: Start with 40% wet to enhance the nostalgic feel.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, understanding how and when to apply the right reverb can make all the difference. Each reverb type brings its own unique character, and now you’re equipped to add the perfect ambiance to your tracks. As you return to your mix, feel confident and ready to bring your music to life. Trust your instincts, experiment purposefully, and let your creativity lead the way.
