Do you apply any processing on your reverb channels? Do you EQ before or after the effect? Should compression be used? These are commonly asked questions for when you’ve found the perfect reverb for your song, but you’re struggling to set the right level for it. They are also important considerations for when your session grows and you want to create space for the most important elements of your track. So how can we keep our songs spacious and airy without making them fuzzy and unclear? Let’s look at 4 techniques you can use to get your effects working all the time.
Sculpting Reverb
The easiest way to create space within your reverb effects is by using EQ. It’s quite common to find some basic EQ setting built in within the reverb effects, like high-pass or low-pass filters. Although these features are handy, it’s always recommended to have an EQ plug-in following up the effect in order to have more control over it. The reason behind adding the EQ after the effect is to shape the resulting processed signal, since it’s likely that the sources sent to your reverbs would be processed already on their own channels.
Applying a high-pass filter is always helpful when getting started, but to make sure the reverb effect leaves room for the main elements of the song,some extra frequencies should be carved out. Most of the time vocals are the main player in a mix, since they carry the message of the song. Equalising the reverb channel with an opposite curve to our main vocal EQ will help to make it more present, without losing the desired effect. Cutting 4 dB at 2 kHz with a wide Q value should be a good starting point to shape your reverbs. Add a light low-pass filter around 10 kHz to the equation and you will get the classic Abbey Road EQ setting.
To Compress or Not to Compress?
Contrary to popular belief, compression makes things quieter. It reduces the dynamic range of a source by bringing down the level of the loudest parts. This makes it easier to place elements within the context of the mix, but it also results in an increased awareness of the quieter sounds. …..
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