It\u2019s true that on your new Mac Pro computer you can probably insert a reverb plug-in on practically every audio track in your DAW session. However, this is a clear cut case of, \u201cJust because you can do it doesn\u2019t mean you should.\u201d Reverb should be applied as a parallel effect, on a bus, in the send\/aux return position. There are a few reason\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purpose behind reverb is to mimic the ambiance that\u2019s captured during the recording of a live performance. With multitrack recording, performances are recorded at different times, often in different spaces, and sometimes with no ambience at all (as in the case of a direct line input recording or a virtual instrument). Consequently, there is an absence of the cohesive ambiance that naturally occurs in a live recording situation. Placing a reverb on your mixer\u2019s bus let\u2019s you send an appropriate amount of signal from each performance in your session through the same virtual space, just as if you had recorded everything live, in one space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more reverb a signal is blended with, the further back in the mix it will sound. Alternately, the less reverb a signal is blended with the closer it will sound to the listener. By using a channel\u2019s send to add different amounts of the effect to a performance you can bring an instrument forward, or push it to the back of your virtual sound stage. For example, a lead vocalist can be made to sound in front of the stage by mixing her with only a little reverb, while a cello can be made to sound at the far back of the stage by mixing it with much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always keep your dry\/wet mix parameter set to a 100% processed return. The reverb effect is created by mixing the dry channel signal with the wet effect return. If your dry\/wet mix parameter is less than 100% you\u2019re just returning dry signal back into your mix, and this is not the object. Use a channel\u2019s send to adjust the amount you want mixed with a track. The higher the send level the more reverb effect return you\u2019ll hear for that track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to control and convenience it\u2019s much easier to dial in the reverb amounts using sends then it is using inserts. This is because the sends are easily accessible right on the mixer channels. In comparison, adjusting an insert requires you to open each one at a time. Talk about tedious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reverb, used correctly, on a mixer\u2019s bus (in parallel), sounds superior in clarity, separation, and depth than individual plug-ins inserted on each mixer channel. Inserting reverbs on every mixer channel results in layers of redundant impulses that end up sounding muddy, cluttered and indistinct. Using reverb as a send effect just sounds better, and ultimately, when it comes down to it, that\u2019s really what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n