getting reverb into headphone mix

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wes480

wes480

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Hey, I want to get some information on adding EQ to a headphone mix...but not actually having it record to the track. Mainly a concern for vocal recordings...I have a girl who wants to hear reverb while she sings, but I don't want the reverb making it to the final track. I know lots of studios do this, but, with my gear I don't know if it is possible..and if it is, which side of the equation hardware/software it would be on.

My setup is a PC, with an Aardvark Direct Pro Q10 soundcard. (8 xlr w/preamp simul, separate volume adjust for monitors/headphones..) I don't have any outboard EQ hardware at the moment. (thinking about getting an RNC...thats for a later post though).

Software wise, I use Logic for the most part. Any info would be appreciated.
 
Do you have a reverb unit, or is your reverb from the computer?
 
all reverb is from the computer. I would be all for getting a reverb unit in the future....if it offered better quality...or, if I needed it to do the headphone mix thing. Is there some unit like the "RNR" (really nice reverb...i wish!) that would do a pro job for a fraction of the cost type of thing?
 
This is not going to help you with your problem, but at least you'll know how studio's do this trick. (Actually it's not a trick at all)

Most studio's work with the inline type of consoles, which means there are two sections on the console.

1. Mic/instruments input which are routed to the recorders.
2. Tape returns where the recorded signals are monitored.

If you send the signals from the tapereturns to auxileries which are connected to headphones, you can eq the hell out of them, without altering the recorded sound. You are working with tapereturns.
For example, route aux 1 to a headphone amp, and aux 2 to your reverb. If you make sure the return of the reverb is on a normal channel (tapereturn) than you can send this signal to aux 1/headphone. Make sure you're not sending it to aux 2. (unless you want a loop.)

In my personal case I have the whole console setup as being a tapereturn type. That means that I have outboard preamps (a lot) which are directly connected to my recorders. Output from the recorders are connected to the console. This way I can mess with eq etc without being afraid of getting any of that exerimentation onto tape.
 
I know she wouldn't want to hear this, but she's better off singing without the reverb. It basically 'forces' you to sing the part better. Reverb tends to cover subtle mistakes.
Sing it right, THEN add the reverb.
Of course, this is just my opinion.
YMMV.

Buck
 
Buck62, I know this is theoratically correct, and will be without a doubt the case with good and experienced performers.

But in reallife experience though my findings are that performers are more confident when singing with reverb than without, which results in a better overal performance. People are often intimidated by hearing there own voice over headphones, especially dry. Remember most of the performers only visit a studio occasionally and know that their performance will be recorded and reproduced. This puts a lot of weight on their shoulders. A little reverb often helps to break the ice. Thats the mean reason they ask for it. It simply sounds nicer.
 
I use Pro Tools. so the way you do this in your app may vary... Set up an auxiliary track, wither mono or stereo, stick a reverb plugin on it, use a send from the track you're recording to, and "send" some audio to the aux track. Adjust the reverb in the mix to taste, and voila, reverb that gets played but not recorded.

Later, when you realize that the recording sucks because the singer was using the reverb to avoid singing well, you'll have charger to blame.
 
I might be crazy, but all of the reverbs I have seem to tune down as time goes on, so the voice as you hear it toward the end of the reflection is slightly lower than what is actually being sung. I think I need to get some better reverb...
 
The way I used to do it without latency (usually if you use computer verb you'll end up with latency) is with hardware. You could get a cheap behringer mixer (ouch!) and a nano verb...and setup a headphone mix that way. My joemeek vc6q has two identical outs and works well for that situation...there's other ways.

If you want a nano verb I've got one I don't use anymore...I'd give it up for $40 plus shipping. It's fine for headphones.
 
using reverb in a headphone mix is something i always do, just light reverb though. with most singers, it tends to help them pitch their next note better.

try and get your reverb to headphones sorted out. it pays to provide a good headphone mix.
 
if you've got multiple outs on the card, you should be able to use them for monitors? doesn't the advark have reverb it can add to it's monitors? i THINK it does(? )
 
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