How to use Reverb to get depth in your mix?

[uebermann303]

Hi,
i always have a little problem to get my mixes to sound as deep as commercial mixes do. How much reverb units you use to get the depth? How much reverbs you use in total - lets say for a r&b or pop production and which ones you use with which presets/settings? I use only software reverbs (plate140, sir, ir1 etc.) What settings could you recommend as a starting point for a good sounding mix?

all feedback is welcome

thanks

 

[boody]

I basicly use three: long reverb for creating space, ambiance reverb for creating width & mono reflection by RS-1 for depth.

settings differ for each song but never too bright. never bright either :lol:

cheers, budy

 

[brian]

I think to get the most apparent depth in a mix, less is more with reverbs. Pick one or two elements you want way in the back and drench them in verb, roll off some top end, and keep the volumes low. Be sure to leave a few main elements very dry to create a contrast of space. Delays seem to work best at forming the rest of the depth. I usually have one \"effect\" reverb which is usually applied to one instrument, then a long verb for a few elements to keep them in the background, then an ambience/room verb for drums, percussion, and things like that. I really like using slight detuning, chorus devices, or the RS-1 to create more depth with the instruments I want up front. These all give a nice sense of spaciousness without hogging space in the mix.

Try something like this:
Send #1: stereo detuner or subtle chorus for adding depth to instruments you want up front

Send #2: SIR with some ambience impulses from the KSP8 or 960 just to help all the elements gel together nicely. Or try experimenting with RS-1.

Send #3: EMT 140 with the shortest setting for drums/percussion.

Send #4: EMT 140 with a generous pre-delay for vocals.

Send #5: Delay timed to track tempo for synths, pads, vocals.

Send #6: Stereo delay feeding into a long EMT 140 or hall reverb as an effect verb, for one instrument. Also try automating send levels, maybe sending a particular word or phrase through this bus. Try sending the occasional snare or percussion hit to this bus also.

Of course you should experiment as much as possible. Sometimes you only need 1 or 2 verbs, and sometimes you need 4 or more delays.

 

[sniper]

I basicly use three: long reverb for creating space, ambiance reverb for creating width & mono reflection by RS-1 for depth.

i suppose the long verb and the ambience are send effects while the RS-1 is inserted on several tracks.. right?

 

[boody]

for the rs-1: no, basically not. I use the same centred mono-rs1 for all instr that need to have a certain depth. Look at it as an horizon focus point. I use it on inserts if I need to have an instrument drawn back to a spot off-centre, pinpointing it to it's postition. Sometimes I use a send on the rs1 grouptrack to add a little chorus to make the depth effect even stronger. And yes, the other two are sends as well.

regards,
budy

 

[brian]

Boody, that is an interesting idea with the RS-1 in mono up the center as a send. I will have to experiment with that. I really love the fact that I have been learning new things almost on a daily basis on these forums. Hopefully some things I contribute will be helpful to someone. 8)

 

[boody]

works quite good 8) as long as you don't _hear_ the reverb. with the right eq every instrument can be placed in space individually. takes some practice though :? Recently I feel I start to get a little grip... Have little time to experiment though; I'm building a new project studio now.

I learned most things through forums =D> I see you're pretty active here, so your contribution is already great :wink:

 

[Axiology]

Hi,
My first post. I haven't even got my uad-1 yet - ordered it yesterday.
My method for depth might only be useful in recording situations similar to my own - low track count - 1 or 2 vocal tracks, 2 guitars, bass and Vsampler drums. I don't use bussing on reverbs, but insert them directly onto mono recorded tracks, switched to stereo.
I find that using 2 reverbs in series can create an impressive sense of depth, first I use a lexicon pantheon for a short ambience effect followed by a SIR using a hall impulse. Varying the reverb level on the ambience reverb will move the sound forward or back in the mix. I find that the level setting on both verbs is important, it's easy to overdo it. I don't want to really obviously hear either reverb, only produce the sense of an instrument being played in an acoustic space, positioned in the stereo field. A bit of subtractive EQ'ing before the reverb and reducing the low end on the reverb helps as well.

Works for me anyway

 

[boody]

reminds me of the first reverb I used: 2 alesis microverbs (cheapest I could find/most expensive I could afford) one fed into the other, first on ambience, second on hall. You'ld be suprised 8)

I found putting a reverb on the inserts always compromised the sound. I dunno, maybe the way I used to set them up :?

 

[John Lance]

Hi,
i always have a little problem to get my mixes to sound as deep as commercial mixes do.

Boody says a lot, but in uncertain terms somewhat, use the early reflections to help establish depth. You have other resources as well, like eq. Early reflections help establish feel and intimacy or spaciousness. Some of these, I promise you want to record when in a good room.

Try to stay with stuff that collapses to mono and still sounds ok, unless you really need an effect.

Play with it.

Try to keep E/R, Predelay (several most likely), and Main Verb as sends. And think beyond the immediate limitations of the suggestions for the "box" they would have you in. No pun intended.

You can do sub-groups and then eq into an e/r. Subgroups into predalay into e/r into verb. Maybe you need more e/r's so you can do more on the "send" side of that particular equation. e/r's into verb. groups into verb. Think logarithmically (exponentially) here.

Dang, that is somewhat uncertain terms too. Lots to chew on though.

 

[boody]

all true; there are even pro's around that don't use any reverb (except real room ambiance) and use only compressors and eq to create depth...
although the question was about reverbs, these factors are just as important.

cheers

 

[John Lance]

Try stereo or multi-mic'ing a source also. Lots to play with here.

Like Boody said, it isn't all about reverb.

I don't know a magic formula. You learn what works and what doesn't in order to achieve a result. You learn to recognize what you are hoping to achieve early on (or what a group or whoever wants to achieve) with a song and begin by doing what is needed right up front with the initial recording.

There is engineering AND art to it.

When I first started, I had \"flat 2D stereo\" mixes. Now I've got mixes that are in-your-face with texture, depth, and height; even with recording a live band in a club. That took a few years and I'm still learning.

It surely helps to have people along \"with ya\", some local musicians, where you can all experiment and work lots of things out. Everyone that is participating helpfully comes out to the good in the end. Musicians become better players, figuring out what works and doesn't work while recording, or even just musically. You get better. Same idea.

 

[chavernac]

This post is very old but i feel like continuing it...
I m really into ambiances now...

There are so monay ways to creat depth...
I don't know how you guys do it but i can't help but having at least 20 Reverbs in 1 project...

I like to have each instruments located in one particular room... with the Reverb And/Or Early reflections panned a special way... So my mix don't get muddy.
But maybe i'm wrong...

 

[boody]

This post is very old but i feel like continuing it...
I m really into ambiances now...

There are so monay ways to creat depth...
I don't know how you guys do it but i can't help but having at least 20 Reverbs in 1 project...

I like to have each instruments located in one particular room... with the Reverb And/Or Early reflections panned a special way... So my mix don't get muddy.
But maybe i'm wrong...

Wow, 20 is a lot. But as long as it takes you where you want to go, it can't be wrong I'ld say :mrgreen: