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Writer's pictureMarc Matthews

Essential Reverb Mixing Tips: Why You Should Use Three Reverbs in Your Next Mix

Updated: Jan 8

In the world of music production, the ability to effectively utilize reverbs can dramatically enhance the quality of your mixes. Renowned musician and mix engineer, Marc Matthews, shares his essential reverb mixing tips in a recent podcast episode, demonstrating how to master the magic of reverbs and elevate your mixing skills to the next level.


Listen to E97: Sharpening Your Sound with Essential Reverb Mixing Tips ⬇️


Reverbs are a powerful tool in music production, providing depth and richness to a track. They can create a sense of space and atmosphere, and when used correctly, they can transform a simple mix into a complex, textured soundscape. Marc delves into the unique characteristics of plate, hall, and chamber reverbs, highlighting their benefits and how they can be tailored to achieve a clean, tight mix.


Timing reverbs to the beat of your track is a technique that Marc strongly recommends. This technique, along with the use of pre-delay, can offer razor-sharp control over your sound. Timing the decay of your reverb to the BPM of your track ensures that the reverb tail dies out before the next beat hits, preventing a cluttered, reverberant mess and instead creating a clean and tight mix.


Furthermore, the podcast explores the impact of different reverb types on various instruments. For instance, a plate reverb, created using a large piece of sheet metal, is revered for its smooth quality and is typically used on drums. A hall reverb, on the other hand, features a longer decay time and more reflections, making it ideal for use with synths. Finally, a chamber reverb, created in a tiled room, offers a large and immersive sound, perfect for ambient guitars.


One of the highlights of the episode is a deep dive into Marc's technique in the mix of 'Lost and Found' featuring Aisle9 on guitar. The track showcases the power of these techniques in action, demonstrating how they can infuse magic into the mixing process.


For Logic Pro users, Marc also shares some valuable tips to improve workflow. For instance, he suggests labeling the sends in your DAW for easier navigation and cleaner workflow. Moreover, Marc recommends using only three reverbs when mixing a track to maintain clarity and balance. He advises against having individual reverbs on each channel as it can lead to a cluttered mix with instruments occupying different spaces.


In conclusion, mastering the magic of reverbs is a crucial skill for anyone involved in music production. By understanding the unique properties of each reverb type and how they can be used to enhance different instruments, you can take your mixes to the next level. Don't miss out on this invaluable advice from a seasoned professional like Mark Matthews. Tune in to the podcast episode and start elevating your mixing skills today!


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