“A reverberation, or reverb, is created when a sound or signal is reflected causing a large number of reflections to build up and then decay as the sound is absorbed by the surfaces of objects in the space” (Wikipedia). Famous in the Motown renaissance during the 1960s, artists would bring metal objects into the studio, like bicycles (bicycles!), to give the overall mix “sparkly” hi’s which became its signature sound. But how and why we use different sounds is really helpful information so that you are making the right decisions with your reverb, rather than going in blind.
Read more: Learn about effects: Reverb
Here’s a drum track without any reverb:
Classic Chamber
Chamber reverbs are a classic for home recording enthusiasts. Creating, amplifying and re-recording sounds in such spaces as bathrooms, attics, and even bank vaults – you’ll hear chamber reverb effects on numerous seminal recordings of the ’50s and ’60s.
Large Hall
Inspired by classic orchestral halls, this reverb recreates a pristine performance space with meticulous EQing to recreate lively and dynamic live performances. Large Hall is a way to make your tracks sound EPIC!
Bright Room
Simple, clean, effective. A basic, great sounding reverb for any recording situation. Perfect for adding a little life to any acoustic kit or guitar.
Here’s a piano track without any reverb:
Compressed Ambience
Recalling 80’s classic gated reverbs, this preset gives a warm acoustic ambience with a spacial sustain. This preset is suited for deep vocal choruses, upfront kits, and the perfect diffused snare.
Dark Ambience
Warm decays and deep tones. Dark Ambience will add stereo width and atmosphere to any recording. This preset is great for industrial vocals, moody keys, and experimental synths
Rotating Cab
The Rotating Cab is based on the classic Leslie rotating organ cabinets. Similar to a singer’s vibrato, this preset adds a warble effect to your track for an interesting and unique sound. Tweak the speed settings to suit your taste and add emotion to your track.
Stereo Ambience
Add character and space to any mix with Stereo Ambience. Adding this preset turns your mono sound into a 360 one. This will sound especially interesting with headphones on!
All of these presets are available in the BandLab Mix Editor, on web, iOS, and Android. Try adding reverb to your instruments for different textures and get creative with it.
Read more: Learn about effects: Delay
