Reverb
Module ID: fx.reverb
Category: Effects
Header Color: Purple
The Reverb module
Description
The Reverb simulates acoustic spaces by creating a dense wash of reflections that decay over time. From small rooms to vast halls, reverb places your sounds in a virtual environment and adds depth, dimension, and atmosphere.
Inputs
| Port | Signal Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Left In | Audio (Blue) | Left channel input |
| Right In | Audio (Blue) | Right channel input (normalled to Left) |
| Decay CV | Control (Orange) | Modulation input for decay time |
Outputs
| Port | Signal Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Left Out | Audio (Blue) | Processed left channel |
| Right Out | Audio (Blue) | Processed right channel |
Parameters
| Knob | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decay | 0.1 s - 30 s | 2.0 s | Reverb tail length |
| Pre-Delay | 0 ms - 200 ms | 20 ms | Time before reverb begins |
| Size | 0.0 - 1.0 | 0.5 | Room size (affects character) |
| Damping | 0.0 - 1.0 | 0.5 | High-frequency absorption |
| Width | 0.0 - 1.0 | 1.0 | Stereo width |
| Mix | 0.0 - 1.0 | 0.3 | Dry/wet balance |
Parameter Deep Dive
Decay Time
How long the reverb tail lasts:
| Decay | Space Type |
|---|---|
| 0.1-0.5 s | Small room, tight space |
| 0.5-1.5 s | Medium room, studio |
| 1.5-3.0 s | Large hall, church |
| 3.0-10 s | Cathedral, warehouse |
| 10+ s | Infinite/ambient |
Pre-Delay
Gap between dry signal and reverb onset:
- 0-10 ms: Reverb starts immediately, sound feels close
- 20-40 ms: Natural separation, clear attack
- 50-100 ms: Distinct echo before reverb, adds depth
- 100+ ms: Noticeable gap, special effect
Pre-delay helps maintain clarity—the attack of sounds comes through before reverb.
Size
Affects the density and character of reflections:
- Small (0.1-0.3): Dense, colored reflections
- Medium (0.4-0.6): Balanced, natural
- Large (0.7-1.0): Sparse, spacious reflections
Damping
Simulates absorption of high frequencies by surfaces:
- Low (0.0-0.3): Bright, reflective surfaces (tile, glass)
- Medium (0.4-0.6): Balanced, natural decay
- High (0.7-1.0): Dark, absorbed sound (carpet, curtains)
Higher damping = darker reverb that's easier to mix.
Width
Controls stereo spread:
- 0.0: Mono reverb (centered)
- 0.5: Moderate stereo spread
- 1.0: Full stereo width
Usage Tips
Vocal Reverb
Clear, present vocals:
Decay: 1.5 s
Pre-Delay: 40 ms
Size: 0.5
Damping: 0.6
Mix: 0.2
Pre-delay separates the vocal from reverb; damping prevents harshness.
Drums/Percussion
Tight, punchy room:
Decay: 0.5 s
Pre-Delay: 10 ms
Size: 0.3
Damping: 0.5
Mix: 0.25
Short decay keeps rhythm tight.
Synth Pad
Lush, expansive atmosphere:
Decay: 4.0 s
Pre-Delay: 50 ms
Size: 0.8
Damping: 0.4
Mix: 0.5
Long decay and large size create immersive space.
Ambient/Experimental
Infinite shimmer:
Decay: 15+ s
Pre-Delay: 100 ms
Size: 1.0
Damping: 0.3 (bright)
Mix: 0.7
Creates evolving, self-sustaining textures.
Gated Reverb
80s drum sound (requires gate module):
[Drums] ──> [Reverb] ──> [Gate] ──> [Output]
Decay: 3s Threshold: 0.3
Mix: 100% Attack: 0ms
Hold: 200ms
Release: 50ms
Reverb is cut short by gate for dramatic effect.
Send/Return Setup
Process multiple sources through one reverb:
[Synth 1] ──(send)──┐
[Synth 2] ──(send)──┼──> [Reverb (Mix: 100%)] ──> [Return Mixer]
[Drums] ──(send)──┘
More efficient and creates cohesive space.
Decay Modulation
Evolving reverb character:
[LFO (slow)] ──> [Reverb Decay CV]
Reverb time breathes and changes over time.
Spring Reverb Character
For vintage spring-like sound:
Size: 0.2 (small)
Decay: 1.5 s
Pre-Delay: 0 ms
Damping: 0.3
Small size creates metallic, sproingy character.
Plate Reverb Character
Classic studio plate:
Size: 0.5
Decay: 2.0 s
Pre-Delay: 0 ms
Damping: 0.4
Width: 1.0
Dense, smooth decay.
Mix Positioning
Reverb level affects perceived distance:
| Mix | Perception |
|---|---|
| 10-20% | Close, present, intimate |
| 20-40% | Natural room distance |
| 40-60% | Far away, spacious |
| 60-100% | Distant, atmospheric, effect |
Connection Examples
Insert Effect
[Synth] ──> [Reverb] ──> [Output]
Send/Return
[Mixer] ──Send──> [Reverb (Mix: 100%)]
[Reverb] ──Return──> [Mixer]
Reverb into Delay
[Audio] ──> [Reverb] ──> [Delay] ──> [Output]
Creates rhythmic echoes of the reverb tail.
Sidechain Reverb
[Audio] ──> [Reverb] ──> [VCA] ──> [Output]
[Audio] ──> [Envelope Follower] ──> [Inverted] ──> [VCA CV]
Reverb ducks when dry signal is present.
Space Presets
| Space | Decay | Pre-Delay | Size | Damping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closet | 0.2s | 0ms | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| Room | 0.8s | 10ms | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Chamber | 1.5s | 20ms | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Hall | 3.0s | 40ms | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Cathedral | 6.0s | 80ms | 0.9 | 0.4 |
| Infinite | 20s+ | 100ms | 1.0 | 0.3 |