Reverb is short for reverberation and refers to the lingering or persisting sound created soon after the original sound is is produced. This is a lot like an echo that a person gets to hear after shouting from atop a mountain. In other words, reverberation is the sound or noise produced after the original sound bounces off a surface or a material and consequently creates a reflection or reflections of itself.
In the world of music, reverb has been made a tool to introduce changes in a musical piece that has yet to be completed. The aim is usually to make the creation more natural although in some cases, the reverb effect is utilized to create the impression that the music is being played from a different place. Simply put, a reverb is designed to make music more engaging as it helps incorporate emotions and imagination.
Thanks to modern technology, the concept of reverb has been raised to greater heights so to speak. Presently, reverb is being reproduced in a variety of forms, allowing created music to be presented in many different and exciting ways. These reverb effect types are used depending largely on how music artists want their songs to be presented. Ideally, this should be showcased in such a way that it will attract the greatest number of music lovers.
Reverb Types
Mechanical Reverb
This is perhaps the oldest reverb effect created. In simple terms, an enclosed area, usually a specially-designed room, is used to produce a mechanical reverb. In this specialty room, normally a recording studio, speakers, microphones, and a few other music equipment would be set up and eventually, the artist will come in to record his song.
Needless to say, this is one costly endeavor to produce the needed reverb effect. It will involve a lot of preparations which can be staggering from a logistic standpoint alone. Still, this was how reverb effect was produced in the early days of music. A number of great songs from the past where mechanical reverb was utilized are still being enjoyed these days because they came out as naturally beautiful.
Analog Reverb
In analog reverb, the effect is produced with the use of a metal plate and a transducer. A microphone is then used to capture and record the created sound.
This type of reverb effect is deemed innovative since the reverb can be recorded separately before eventually being added to the music. Before the assimilation, the reverb can be modified to a certain extent depending on the strength of the inducer as well as on the thickness of the metal plate.
Digital Reverb
With the invention of the computer and other electronic devices, the possibility of producing reverb through digital means became clearer. Reproducing previous reverb effect processes became easier through algorithms which are then able to mimic electronic signals and turn this into the needed reverb.
Since algorithms continue to be developed, it is likewise possible for more advanced reverb effects to eventually emerge. Modern-day musicians naturally prefer this method of creating reverb for their music not only because it’s convenient, but because it gives them the freedom to further experiment on reverb and see how far it will take them in their music journey.
