One of the foremost vital tools in audio engineering is that the Reverb effect. However, the utilization of this effect can easily be overlooked or misunderstood by many. A well-balanced mix with only dynamic processing, eq and panning will sound perfect but inserting reverb will add some flair, and it will take that good mix to an excellent mix. We add reverb to a sound to add width and depth. If your mix is sounding dry or dull, adding reverb can add excitement, and it will also make your mix sound bigger and wider. In this blog, I want to speak about how to use reverb creatively instead of using presets.
The time-based effect, such as reverb is mainly used in a return channel and processed parallel with the dry signal. If you use reverb by inserting it on the direct signal, you will not have much control compared to using it in return or send channel. Reverb is used to push a sound further back in a mix. For example, if you want the vocals in your mix to be upfront and if the drum-kit is overpowering, then you can use the reverb to push the drums back in the stereo field. So whenever you insert reverb in your mix, remember that you are pushing the sound at the back of the mix. To be an expert in audio engineering and learn all the physics behind it, one must join the best audio engineering schools and look out for the most convenient program.
Equalizing The Reverb
It is time to add width and depth to your mix, and we will use EQ for that. We will add EQ before the reverb in the return insert chain so that you can equalize what is going in the reverb rather than what is coming out. While doing this test both and choose what you like since you are designing your signature. We are trying here to remove frequencies that might get in the way of other sounds to avoid masking. Try cutting with wider Q in the low-mids to avoid the reverb from adding any mud and a wide Q boost from 10kHz to 12kHz to make the reverb bright and it will also add some air.
Distorted Reverb
To add some crunch and warmth, we can add distortion or overdrive to a reverb. It will not only add crunch or warmth, but this can also thicken up the reverb and will also give that old tape or analogue sound to it. However, make sure you use the distortion very subtle.
Widening the Reverb
If you want to widen your reverb, you can use stereo image effects to make it wider or play it in mono to make it tighter. For example, if you are looking to make the high frequency of the reverb wide, then you can boost both the sides in the high-frequency range by using eq or using mid-side processing. By doing this, it will boost the clarity of the reverb effect. You can also remove the low frequencies of the reverb in the mid-channel. Widening the reverb using stereo image tools can make a reverb fit well in the mix rather than using a preset.
Automation
Sometimes reverb works well in soft parts of the song, and it gets too much in louder parts. In this situation, you can use automation. You can automate the return till it works well for you.
The sidechain reverb technique is also good to use, and you can side-chain the reverb using compressor and reverb which will only kick in when the signal fades out. It depends upon which settings you are using, but it will create an incredible pumping sound effect.
These are some of the creative ways of using reverb creatively, in my opinion. I hope this blog gives you some ideas about using reverb creatively. To become an expert, you may apply now to the best audio engineering schools in India where you will get to learn from professionals and gain quality skills and experience. Visit the website of top schools and choose the best one for you.
