Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 113
K
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 113
OK. Here's a chance for EVERYBODY to chime in. I've been playing drums for 45 yrs, and recording other digital audio for 25. Although, I've rubbed elbows, and am respected by VERY accomplished musicians, I don't claim to know even half as much as the reams of volumes that others have already forgotten. I've never had one formally taught course, or lesson. All I know is that other extremely capable, and experienced musicians that have heard my work, and mixes has always complimented my work. As far as reverb, some of them say "Well, I might not put quite as much reverb, but I don't think your mix is "WRONG", or distasteful, or illustrates a particular incompetence, or ignorance about how to apply reverb. SOO, having said that, is there any consensus, or general rule that I'm not aware of for applying reverb, other than your EAR? PLEEZE bleed all over this. KC


i7-12650H CPU, 32Gig RAM/Win 11 Pro. PreSonus 1824C, Native Instr S88 Mk1, ATOM SQ, PreSonus Sphere, Sonar Platinum, SampleTank4, BIAB 2023.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,562
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,562
Old rule of thumb, add reverb until you hear it, then back it off a notch!

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Quote:

Old rule of thumb, add reverb until you hear it, then back it off a notch!




+1 for that.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Another +1 for a general rule.

It really depends on the sound you're after. Reverb waxes and wanes in popular music like length of skirts and width of ties.

Personally I'm glad it's back "in" now to use it a little heavier than overly dry.

BTW, cool name King Conga.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,350
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,350
I think it depends on whether you're trying to simulate a natural environment, or using it as an effect. For a natural environment, I don't think the listener should be aware that reverb is being applied, which is really just the general rule as described above.

As an effect, like the Phil Collins snare drum in the 80s, then anything goes. As Josie says, a lot of it is down to fashion, which is why when you listen to some tracks the reverb will tell you which decade it's from.

ROG.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
You wanted opinions. I think ROG has it right.

It all depends on the desired outcome. If I WANT to feel like drums are thundering in a cavernous room, I have to hear the reverb (Think the opening drums on Big Country's In a Big Country from The Crossing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYxuH6LH-DI

If I'm making an 'intimate' acoustic track, then the back it off till you don't hear it idea applies. If I'm using synth patches in an electronic track, then I almost always juice the reverb till it's obvious.

Reverb can be used in so many different ways; bring the listener closer or put them farther away from the source, etc.

Here's another example: Sampled piano is almost always close-mic'ed. If you mix it in to a track where there is reverb on other instruments, then it's going to sound in-your-face and out of place. Dial up the reverb and dial down the direct sound to set it back into the mix. I do this almost always for the pianos that are in Garritan Personal Orchestra and the excellent 'Splendid' soundfont from Akai.

Also, there's bunches of different types of reverbs - THESE can lead you to a decade as much as anything else. Spring, plate, room simulation, etc. As for drums for tracks that have very little to no reverb; pretty much any of Steely Dan's stuff from the 70's are about as dry as you can get. Listen to Hey Nineteen, drums are dusty dry. However, tasty reverb on the EP and synth leads, vox. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipc9pL27krs Nothing says 'the 70's' to me more than dead dry drums. This song by Steely Dan could easily be the theme song to the Barney Miller show. http://www.televisiontunes.com/Barney_Miller.html (Which I think includes Carol Kaye on the juiciest bass-line to ever grace a TV show theme)

So, sorry there's no right answer. It is probably one of the most abused effects.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
.
>...So, sorry there's no right answer. It is probably one of the most abused effects. ..>>

Amen, and amen. If there is a rule to follow its the general rule stated above. But then there are lots of cases and instances where the rule is successfully broken. I guess what I do is follow the rule first, and then add reverb in cases where I have a specific reason to add some space. Or...I'll roll off the reverb further if I want to create the illusion of whispering in your ear.


Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>

Got some tunes on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
.
My BiaB lesson site:
http://jdwolfe0.wixsite.com/learnbiab
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,727
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,727
You may find some helpful information in the reverb section of this link

http://pghboemike.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/digital-music-production/


Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
I've always loved all kinds of reverb, love the way it can quickly "tail off"

The Lexicon LXP-1 is an old (1980s) half-rack reverb unit that studios still use today. The LXP-1 was discontinued a long time ago, but even with today's standards, it sounds fantastic.

I also have the LXP-5 for a complete "plate" of reverbs...

And that old Lexicon Vortex has entranced the audiences along with the little blue box,
Jam Man...

My ears are always ringing...guess I blew them out listening to Theoloneus Monk.


Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.


Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
A little dab will do ya.

Trax

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Quote:

A little dab will do ya.

Trax




Agreed. That's the trick.

Cheers,
Mike


Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Ballads can handle more than an uptempo number, generally, but there is really no hard and fast rule to that; as a lot of the rock of the 50's, ballad or uptempo; were smothered in verb, **tip for verb: If the verb has a highpass filter cut around 250hz. For a ballad use a hall or chamber verb, the decay for a ballad runs from 2-4ms, predelay set to tempo of song or in chopped up increments rounded up. example 85 tempo might divide in 4th and set predelay to 22ms, half 43ms etc. settings below the songs tempo up to the tempo will give a fuller sound, much like doubling. uptempo numbers use a plate, room or a bright chamber with a .1 to .5ms decay, predelay higher 100-250ms. Once again set your predelay by the tempo of the song. Once again these are just tips, no hard and fast rule. It is really the way you want the song to sound. One reason not to go overboard with the reverb though is when the song is mastered the compressors can play havoc on the sound. Also watch eqing after adding reverb as this can cause very unpleasant sounds. Hope this is helpful!


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,775
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,775
I may be an outlier but, in general, I see reverb as a way to allow the vocal or instrument to bleed into the overall mix. Of course I want each track to stand on it's own but then have its edges lost in the mix. I realize I'm not articulating this well! And since I try to give my mixes a live feel I may be biased. Like a live jam in a good room I use reverb to let all the tracks settle in the mix and yet sound distinct when it's their turn. When I'm mixing I just can't separate myself from many years of great living room jams.


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos are here on our website.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 883
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 883
"Old rule of thumb, add reverb until you hear it, then back it off a notch!"

Yup, I live by this, but I have a VERY difficult time hearing Reverb so I am usually too loud by any standard. frown

But by using short Delays I can get the "space" I am looking for without worrying about washing something out, because I can hear the delay a lot easier. And it helps keep the mix uncluttered as well... grin

Works for me! cool


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
IMO....just to add to what others have stated.

Reverb is not always necessary in any final mix not to mention the dated cliche of 'less is more'.
The fewer the instruments in a mix the more a reverb choice can be acceptable/appropriate.
The use of reverb is over used much of the time and many think it can mask less than stellar original tracks.

That's my quick take on it....carry on.




Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/04/13 10:12 AM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums56
Topics85,047
Posts788,333
Members39,819
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Lord4s, titiswing, Cobber1788, Badja52, Donald Hurt
39,819 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 251
MarioD 189
DrDan 154
DC Ron 138
Noel96 130
Rob Helms 128
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5