Reverb has been one of the most important tools in music production since the beginning. As you probably know, reverb is an effect that introduces width and depth. It can be used in many different creative ways but is often placed incorrectly in the mix. Using Reverb correctly and in proper amounts is crucial to enriching the overall sound image of the mix.
Parallel Reverb Processing
One of my favorite creative techniques that involve reverb is parallel reverb processing. For example, you could have 3 different reverb effects on independent send/return channels. Each one of them would have different settings and would be positioned differently with the help of panning. Using the reverb effect like this results in a more diverse sense of space.
So without further delay, let me start explaining how this technique works! I have already made my group channel in SoundBridge. Inside I have collected all my drum channels (snare, hi-hats, drum loops, etc.).
~ Rhythm group, Dry
The next step for this technique would be to create a new send/return channel. I am going to place reverb effects on it and push the send level on the rhythm group track I made previously to the full amount.
Now I will use a 3rd party plugin that will allow me to have effects set up in parallel chains within one channel strip. One good choice for this is the Blue Cat Patchwork plugin.
Setting up 3 Reverb Effects
My weapon of choice, in this case, will be Breverb 2 by Overloud. For the first instance of the reverb, I would choose some “Hall” type with longer feedback (in this case, it is represented as Time). Next, I’ll pull down the dry signal value all the way to 0. Then set its wet panning parameter all the way to left. Also, I will boost high frequencies in the internal equalizer of the plugin.
My second instance of Breverb 2 will have slightly different settings. The time and pre-delay settings will be a bit shorter than on the previous one. The mid-range frequencies will be boosted a bit using the internal EQ. Instead of panning it all the way to the left, this time, I will move the pan slider all the way to the right. The third instance of the same reverb effect in our parallel chain will be set to “mono” with a really short time setting and no pre-delay. This instance allows me to preserve the overall punch of the drums.
1 – Panning fader all the way to left
2 – Panning fader all the way to the right
3 – Settings placed at MONO
~ Rhythm group with Multi Reverb effect on the send channel
Having all this set, we can now experiment with the send level to get the rhythm group to sit nicely in the overall mix. Let`s hear the full mix now.
~ Full mix
