In Summary

Once the reverb return has the effect of your choice across it, the fader or send is not the only way to control the reverb level. Here we outline how doing it dynamically with compression can be quicker and more agile.

Going Deeper

Set And Forget?

Very few productions can claim to be entirely free of reverb, with even the driest of mixes often enjoying subtle treatments to encourage a sense of place or depth. Reverb treatments can be used on a per-track basis with its level regulated using the familiar Mix control, however far more flexible is to have the effect on its own channel set 100 percent wet. For many engineers this is the preferred MO that beats using multiple instances on almost every count.

Entrance Versus Exit

Often, reverb levels will need to change as the mix progresses, and riding or automating sends is one way to do that, especially when multiple sources are sharing the same pool of reverb. Doing the same on the return can have a more dramatic action that can be used for effect as it effectively changes the envelope of the reverb itself. When a single source has a reverb to itself on the end of a return, either approach can be used without affecting other sources.

Doing It With Compression

Using the agility of a compressor for controlling level is almost standard practice for sources in modern production, but it can also be used for creative control of reverb amount or even the shape of the reverb itself. Once set up, this automatic control is much quicker than plotting moves in the mixer.

Return Compression

The return itself can be compressed to give the familiar reverb ducking effect. This allows the source to cut through its own reverb when suitable sidechain treatments are used. Compressor Attack can dictate how quickly the reverb takes a dip, whereas Release times can regulate how quickly it rises back into place. An advanced treatment can use a duplicate track as the source slipped ahead to duck reverb before the event.

Send Compression

To give a more uniform reverb, the send into the reverb can be compressed. Settings that work for the dry signal can be cooked a little more for a more squashed treatment. Virtually all DAWs allow sends to be compressed, and this can present the reverb with a much more consistent level which can stop certain notes, hits, or words from exciting the reverb disproportionately. Yes, most DAWs’ mixers’ signal flow dictates that the send will be downstream of any channel compressor anyway, but compressing the send like this allows lighter channel compression to sit over a more uniform ‘bed’ of reverb.

Switchable Compression

In the video, we use Eventide’s UltraReverb’s advanced onboard compressor to apply these treatments all in one window. We show how it can be used to replace a compressor across the FX return for ducking, but more uniquely how its comprehensive switchable signal flow allows control of incoming signals as well.

The Best Place For Compressing Reverb?

Although compressing either the send or the return can be achieved with virtually any setup, there’s no doubt that doing it with one tool has obvious benefits. For those working between different platforms, the intricacies of how different DAWs do things can be a sticking point even for experienced hands. Using a tool like UltraReverb lets the engineer do it quickly and easily all in one place, and we can’t think of any other tool that has switchable Pre/Post reverb compression built-in. Of course those who like a challenge doing it up or downstream of the plugin itself are still welcome to do that anytime…

Compressing on the way in can be helpful when the mix needs consistent reverb that doesn’t rely on heavy channel compression. Compressing the return affects the reverb itself for an alternative effect such as ducking. Either can be a useful alternative to rides or automation that is more reactive and ultimately quicker than a hand on the mixer…

A Word About This Article

As the Experts team considered how we could better help the community we thought that some of you are time poor and don’t have the time to read a long article or a watch a long video. In 2023 we are going to be trying out articles that have the fast takeaway right at the start and then an opportunity to go deeper if you wish. Let us know if you like this idea in the comments.