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jaz49
New member
I was reading a book on recording and mixing and they were talking about using gated reverb on vocals, but they didn't explain the technique. Can anyone tell me what that is... and what is the purpose of it?
Freudian Slip
New member
A gated reverb trails off to a certain level and then shuts off. As opposed to a linear verb that decays at an even pace until it's gone. A gated reverb can also be know as a non-linear verb, though non-linear is a less descriptive term.
The most common / easy to spot use of gated reverb is on the snare drum on many songs where you hear the reverb for just a bit after the snare hit and then it shuts off as opposed to tapering down.
I personally would rather use a faster decay time on the reverb for vocals, rather than a gate. But I guess in the right place it may work out.
F.S.
Freudian Slip
New member
I should mention that a plugin would likely have a gated reverb setting as well as most reverb units. If you wanted to do it the the old way you would place a gate on the output of a verb unit and adjust the threshold.
A gate is simply a switch that only allows sound through that is above a certain level and the threshold is the adjustment that sets that level.
F.S.
A gate is simply a switch that only allows sound through that is above a certain level and the threshold is the adjustment that sets that level.
F.S.
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Dani Pace
New member
Another thing to do is to set the attack a little longer (delay the reverb cut in) to get a soft delay type sound. The effect is similar to a delay echo without the snap. It's a way to simulate the type of echo you would get in a large open building like a gymnasium.
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jaz49
New member
Interesting replies. Thanks. None of my reverb plugins have that setting(gated reverb) but I have experimented with decay times. I'm going to have to experiment with the longer attack and see what that does to my vocal tracks. Plus I have to learn to use a de-esser. I'm not having much luck with the plugin that comes with Acid and have to resort to fade in's on all the hard T's and S words. http://www.myspace.com/lejaz
Freudian Slip
New member
Alot of verb plugs will call attack "predelay". Basicly just, how long after the dry sound does the reverb kick in. Compared to real life it would be how close is the nearest wall or sound reflecting object.
If your plugin has a setting for a non-linear decay you might mess with that to get a gated sound.
Good luck.
F.S.
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jaz49
New member
Hey thanks much! I just noticed that tonight...the predelay setting. Now I know what it is for! I've been noticing lately how little changes can make a huge difference in the overall impact of a song. A small change in the sound of the drums for instance...and vocals for sure.
