Reverb sends

Definition

Reverb sends are auxiliary channels in a mixing console or digital audio workstation that allow audio signals to be routed to a reverb effect without altering the original sound. This technique enables a more dynamic and spacious mix by blending dry and wet signals, allowing for control over how much reverb is applied to each element of the mix. By using reverb sends, producers can create a sense of depth and ambiance while maintaining clarity in the mix.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reverb sends help in creating space in a mix by allowing various instruments to share the same reverb effect, which adds depth and cohesion.
2. Using reverb sends rather than inserting reverb directly on tracks provides greater flexibility to adjust levels without affecting the original audio.
3. Different sends can be used for different instruments, allowing tailored reverb settings based on each sound's characteristics and role in the mix.
4. The level of the reverb send can be automated to enhance dynamic changes in a song, contributing to an evolving sound landscape.
5. Commonly, a high-pass filter is applied to reverb sends to reduce low-frequency buildup, ensuring clarity and preventing muddiness in the mix.

Review Questions

• How do reverb sends contribute to creating depth in a mix?
  • Reverb sends contribute to depth by allowing multiple instruments to utilize the same reverb effect, which helps create a cohesive soundstage. By blending the dry and wet signals, producers can enhance spatial qualities without compromising clarity. This technique enables a more dynamic mix where different elements can breathe while still feeling part of the same acoustic environment.
• What advantages do reverb sends have over traditional insert effects in a mixing environment?
  • Reverb sends offer several advantages over traditional insert effects, including greater control over individual track levels without altering the original sound. They allow for the application of consistent reverb across multiple tracks while enabling unique settings for each send. Additionally, this method facilitates automation and adjustments without needing to change the inserted effect's parameters, streamlining the mixing process.
• Evaluate how using multiple reverb sends can affect the overall sound of a track during mixing.
  • Using multiple reverb sends allows engineers to craft a rich and textured sound by applying different types of reverb tailored for various elements within a track. For instance, vocals might use a lush hall reverb while snare drums receive a shorter room reverb. This layered approach can create an immersive listening experience by establishing clear spatial relationships among instruments, enhancing the emotional impact of the music while maintaining clarity and definition.

Related terms

Auxiliary Send: An auxiliary send is a signal path that allows you to send a portion of an audio signal to an effects processor, like reverb, independently from the main output.

Wet/Dry Mix: The wet/dry mix refers to the balance between the processed (wet) and unprocessed (dry) signals in a mix, essential for achieving desired levels of effects like reverb.

Bus: A bus is a channel that combines multiple audio signals into a single output, often used for effects processing or routing signals to different destinations within a mixing environment.