Sonnox Oxford Reverb User Manual
Page 13
5.2 Reverb Tail Setup
5 REALISTIC ROOM SIMULATION
Throughout the blending process it is a good idea to go back periodically and adjust the
Reverb Tail OVERALL SIZE parameter in order to get the best timbral blending between
the sections. The overall size parameter can be adjusted all the way from what sounds
like a ‘cymbal resonating’ to a wide open space — without affecting the decay time, so
there is great deal of latitude in what can be achieved. In general there is a trend for larger
Early Reflection spaces to most suit larger Reverb Tail overall sizes, because they exhibit
a slower build up of complexity. However this is not a rule — in practice, very subtle
changes in the overall size can result in exemplary realism when resonance within the
Early Reflections and Reverb Tail sections complement each other.
Application of the LF ROLL-OFF control should only be attempted after an overall
reverberation sound has been achieved, as low frequency spatial cues are very important
to our perception of natural spaces. In the event that the reverb produces excess LF
energy (particularly if the simulation space is very small), or an effect is desired which
favours only HF programme content, LF ROLL-OFF can be applied with discretion,
depending on the overall requirement of the programme.
5.2.4 Additional Important Points on Reverb Tail Processing
Since the Reverb Tail is essentially neutral, containing no dimensional character, it can be
used by itself with very low reverb times to produce general ambiences and
‘characterless’ Reverb Tail. In particular, with small to moderate OVERALL SIZE settings,
effects ranging from ‘boomy’ drum rooms to vocal double tracking and multiplication can
be achieved.
If the programme consists of a stereo source that already contains significant
environmental reflection, the Reverb Tail section can be used on its own to simply adopt
the character of the original recording and extend the natural reverb within the recorded
space.
The Reverb Tail processing consists of two separate sections for left and right signals,
which under some conditions can perform entirely independently. If the Reverb Tail
processing is used on its own with stereo panned sources (without any early reflection
contribution), care should be taken to ensure that the STEREO SEPARATION and
DIVERSITY controls are not both set to maximum, as this could result in a left or right only
reverb signal if the source is panned hard to either side.