Mixing Reverb – Reverb is the sonic glue that binds your mix, creating a sense of space and dimension for your instruments. But wielding this powerful tool effectively requires finesse. Here, we’ll delve into the world of mixing reverb, exploring a unique technique using mutes to achieve optimal control: the “pre-fader reverb trick.”

ORDER NOW: RECORD, MIX AND MASTER – A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO AUDIO PRODUCTION

The Fundamentals: Building Your Reverb Foundation

Most reverb plugins come equipped with a standard set of controls:

• Wet/Dry: This knob balances the original, “dry” signal with the processed, “wet” reverb sound. Finding the sweet spot prevents your mix from becoming a muddy mess.
• Room Size: Adjusts the perceived size of the virtual space the reverb creates. Larger rooms result in longer reverb times.
• Decay Time: Controls how long the reverb tail lingers after the initial sound.

Start with a conservative approach. Use a small room size and a short decay time. Then, gradually increase these settings until the sound sits naturally within your mix.

EQing for Clarity: A Friend in Need

Reverb can sometimes introduce unwanted low-end rumble or high-frequency harshness. This is where EQ becomes your friend. Strategically applying a low-pass filter on the reverb channel can roll off some high frequencies, creating a more natural, room-like sound. Additionally, cutting specific low frequencies can prevent the reverb from clashing with the low-end of your instruments.

The Pre-Fader Reverb Trick: Unveiling the Magic

This is where things get interesting. Traditional reverb processing happens post-fader, meaning it only affects the audible portion of a track. But what if you could hear the entire reverb tail, even for muted tracks? This is where the pre-fader reverb trick comes in.

Here’s how it works:

1. Mute the desired track. Don’t worry, it won’t be permanently silenced.
2. Insert a reverb plugin on the muted track. Adjust the reverb settings to taste.
3. Send the muted track to a separate auxiliary channel (aux bus). This aux bus should have its fader level set to zero (muted).
4. Route all your other tracks (including the muted one) to the same aux bus. This creates a “hidden reverb bus” where all the reverb tails combine.
5. Unmute the aux bus fader. Now, you’ll hear the combined reverb tails of all your tracks, including the initially muted one!

This technique offers several advantages:

• Fine-tuning reverb tails: Since you’re hearing the isolated reverb, you can precisely EQ and adjust the decay time without affecting the dry signal.
• Creating cohesive ambience: By combining all the reverb tails, you can achieve a more cohesive and natural-sounding overall ambience.
• Adding subtle depth to muted tracks: Even though a track might be muted, its reverb tail can still subtly contribute to the overall sonic landscape.

Remember: This technique is a tool to be used judiciously. Too much reverb can cloud your mix. Start with subtle settings and adjust based on the specific needs of your song.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Reverb Techniques

• Use different reverb types: Experiment with plate, spring, hall, and room reverbs to create distinct sonic textures for different instruments.
• Automate the wet/dry knob: Automate the wet/dry knob to bring the reverb in and out during different parts of the song, adding depth and keeping the listener engaged.
• Sidechain compression: Duck the reverb level momentarily when other transient instruments play, ensuring clarity and separation.

By mastering these techniques and the pre-fader reverb trick, you’ll transform reverb from a confusing knob to a powerful tool that adds depth, dimension, and a touch of magic to your mixes. So, experiment, listen critically, and unleash the sonic potential of reverb in your music!

Watch our video on mixing reverb for a deeper look.