Types of Reverb:

Convolution Reverb

You can watch a video that explains what is reverb and compares two types of Reverb: Algorithmic Reverb and Convolution Reverb.

What is Reverb?

– Reverb is a type of delay plugin that helps to give us a sense of space.

– Recordings in a studio are usually done in isolated rooms with as little noise and reverb as possible. Sometimes instruments are even recorded in different rooms. Later, we can use reverb plugins to add reverb to our mix, as if they were recorded in the same room, at the same time.

Convolution Reverb doesn’t have as many parameters that we can set and control as we have in an Algorithmic Reverb.

It uses an impulse response (IR), which is how the plugin changes a signal when it passes through it, so it appears to be in a room. This process is called convolution. Because the IRs are real recordings of the sounds of rooms (like a sampler), it sounds more natural than algorithmic reverb. It is very easy to use and very useful when we want to achieve a more natural sound, with many room types to choose.

IR-L Convolution Reverb by Waves

In a Convolution Reverb, we can’t control the Early Reflections or the Reverb Tail.

IR-L Convolution Reverb: Main Controls

Convolution Start: controls where the convolution process starts. We can remove pre-delay at the beginning of an Impulse Response.

Convolution Length: Then Full is selected, IR-L will convolve the input with the whole Impulse Response.

Direct: controls if the direct signal is on or off.

Reverb Time: controls the Reverb Time Ratio.

Dry/Wet: balances the “dry” (unprocessed) signal and the convolved (processed) signal.

Predelay: controls for how long the Impulse Response is delayed.

You can read our post about Algorithmic Reverb: