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ReverbCheatsheet PDF

High-density reverbs like plates and chambers usually sound best for drums. For vocals, add pre-delay to keep them upfront and halls with slowly ramping reflections can enhance groove on some tracks. Delay typically sounds better than reverb for electric guitar. Exponential Audio's PhoenixVerb, UAD's Ocean Way Studios, and Audio Ease's Altiverb 7 are the document's recommended reverb plugins.

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Kahlil Smith
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256 views2 pages

ReverbCheatsheet PDF

High-density reverbs like plates and chambers usually sound best for drums. For vocals, add pre-delay to keep them upfront and halls with slowly ramping reflections can enhance groove on some tracks. Delay typically sounds better than reverb for electric guitar. Exponential Audio's PhoenixVerb, UAD's Ocean Way Studios, and Audio Ease's Altiverb 7 are the document's recommended reverb plugins.

Uploaded by

Kahlil Smith
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reverb Cheatsheet

Drums

- High-density reverbs like plates and chambers usually sound best. (To learn why, ​read
#4 in this article​.)

- Getting the decay time right is crucial. Use the snare as your guide. Time the decay so
the reverb disappears right before the next snare hit.

- Be careful when adding reverb to the kick. Often times, you’ll want to avoid this.

- Add reverb to the overheads first. Then add to close-mic’d tracks. This will often yield
more natural-sounding results.

Bass

- Sometimes a bit of reverb can help, but ​be​ ​very​ ​careful​.

- Stick with short rooms, and listen closely for muddiness.

- Don’t be afraid to roll off the low end on the reverb.

Vocals

- Add pre-delay to keep the vocal up-front in the mix.

- Halls with reflections that ramp up slowly can add a subliminal pulse that enhances the
groove. This can sound great on ballads and downtempo tracks, but often gets in the
way on up-tempo tracks.

- If the reverb sounds too sibilant, de-ess the signal heading into it. You can also roll top
end off the reverb.

Electric Guitar

- Delay typically sounds better. Try this first.

- Short rooms can add size and dimension, without getting in the way.
Acoustic Guitar

- I prefer plates.

- Add a bit of chorusing on the reverb to thicken up the tail and create a shimmery,
80’s-inspired effect.

Strings

- Go for halls, chambers, or rooms—these often sound more convincing.

- Listen for excessive high end, which can make the reverb sound artificial and scratchy.

Keys/Synths

- Try rolling off top end first. Often times, this can push the track back in the mix without
needing to resort to reverb.

- Watch out for excessive low end and for reverbs that ring out too long.

My Favorite Reverb Plugins


- Exponential Audio’s PhoenixVerb

Designed by ex-Lexicon guru Michael Carnes. A great all-around, clean reverb.


Excellent small rooms.

- UAD’s Ocean Way Studios

Some of the most convincing room sounds I’ve ever heard. Creates a natural sense of
depth—great for drum rooms.

- Audio Ease’s Altiverb 7

The industry-standard convolution reverb. Includes a great library of impulse responses


that cover a variety of halls, rooms, and vintage gear. Lots of options here.

For more mixing tips, visit ​BehindTheSpeakers.com​.

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