reverbs

[CRDM]

I've been exploring using different reverb techniques recently.

I've been using a lot of very short reflections on things, chorusing them etc trying to give interesting spaces to things. I don't have any rules as such, I use both sends and inserts depending on what I'm going for. I also like printing sounds with reverb baked on for creative effects.

I use Valhalla Vintage Verb and nothing else at the moment. I tried OrilRiver, a free reverb, it's very nice and clean sounding.

Anyway I know there has been topics on this before, I just thought it would be good to have a 2019 thread to discuss approaches, techniques you might have developed along the way and what you find works well in your music. I know it depends heavily on the type of music so maybe some case in point examples could be good for discussion.

[toob]

I think a quick tip would be to experiment with a delay when you are struggling to find the right reverb or vice versa. Looking forward to hear what other techniques people have.

[Kirsanov]

It was mentioned here before, but reverb + heavy compression is really cool technique, especially on drums. Just play with reverb decay time/pre-delay/dry-wet/etc and than compress the shit out of it. Play with compressor attack/release to find the right spot. Also try some distortion after reverb and before compressor.

[dubdub]

Been playing around with reverb a lot of recently because I've never really felt happy with the reverb in may tracks. I've been using Valhalla only for a long time but I never could really get to to 'gel' with the source so to speak. What I've found recently is that what massively helps is to create a parallel chain and to massively cut the low mids (like, 6-10db with a fairly wide Q around 300hz). Apparently, this is what Lexicon reverbs naturally do naturally, which really helps to make them sit in a mix. I like the thick low mids in Valhalla for reverb pads and stuff but for common use it's just a bit thick. Still, I've been playing around with some other reverbs. The relatively new Eventide SP-2016 is just amazing, amazing depth and sits good on pretty much anything. Also been trying UVI plate, which doesn't always sit great but it's sounds absolutely stunning, one of the most beautiful reverbs I've ever heard.

Another technique I've been playing around with is heavy compression PRE reverb on a send or parallel chain. You can get a reverb that sits much nicer with dry signal by shaping the envelope beforehand.

[Ben Kohonays]

I like the thick low mids in Valhalla for reverb pads and stuff but for common use it's just a bit thick.

Are you talking about all Valhalla reverbs or one in particular? The reason I ask is because Vintageverb is the one that tends to get raved about (not saying it isn't justified) and Room seems to be overlooked sometimes, but I find Room to be a much clearer, natural reverb.

[dubdub]

I like the thick low mids in Valhalla for reverb pads and stuff but for common use it's just a bit thick.

Are you talking about all Valhalla reverbs or one in particular? The reason I ask is because Vintageverb is the one that tends to get raved about (not saying it isn't justified) and Room seems to be overlooked sometimes, but I find Room to be a much clearer, natural reverb.

Ya, I'm talking about Vintage mostly.

[CRDM]

Been playing around with reverb a lot of recently because I've never really felt happy with the reverb in may tracks. I've been using Valhalla only for a long time but I never could really get to to 'gel' with the source so to speak. What I've found recently is that what massively helps is to create a parallel chain and to massively cut the low mids (like, 6-10db with a fairly wide Q around 300hz). Apparently, this is what Lexicon reverbs naturally do naturally, which really helps to make them sit in a mix. I like the thick low mids in Valhalla for reverb pads and stuff but for common use it's just a bit thick. Still, I've been playing around with some other reverbs. The relatively new Eventide SP-2016 is just amazing, amazing depth and sits good on pretty much anything. Also been trying UVI plate, which doesn't always sit great but it's sounds absolutely stunning, one of the most beautiful reverbs I've ever heard.

Another technique I've been playing around with is heavy compression PRE reverb on a send or parallel chain. You can get a reverb that sits much nicer with dry signal by shaping the envelope beforehand.

Agreed, fx pre reverb is something I use pretty regularly, filtering and compression etc. I usually always use some filters pre reverb to control how it responds, I like the sonimus filters for this as they help the reverb naturally fit in and not take up too much space unless that's what's needed. Strange you mention it not gelling to the source, I don't feel like that with it though there are certainly other verbs that blend more naturally, though I've found they are usually cleaner and I like the grit and weirdness that vvv can bring, tho it can get pretty clear as well combining the eras and different algorithms.

Whilst speaking about Valhalla - Ubermod is excellent for some chorused spaces and I have gotten some really nice verbs from the new Valhalla Delay.

A favourite of mine on Vintage Verb is the Sanctuary mode with the attack turned all the way up, very nice sound.

I like the thick low mids in Valhalla for reverb pads and stuff but for common use it's just a bit thick.

Are you talking about all Valhalla reverbs or one in particular? The reason I ask is because Vintageverb is the one that tends to get raved about (not saying it isn't justified) and Room seems to be overlooked sometimes, but I find Room to be a much clearer, natural reverb.

Room is great, I might get it at some point tho I've never felt compelled as I always discover new things with Vintage Verb. Deceptively deep processors.

[ZenoSupreme]

when using the reverb on a sent channel, try sidechaining it to the kick. That way every time the kick hits the reverb is lowered in volume. This can let the kick punch well trough reverby mixes and give a nice pumping effect.. It's also nice to experiment with echo before reverb (especially ons sent channels).