My first instinct was to say that, just because "they" say you should have all those types of reverbs, it doesn't mean you have to use them all at the same time....or at all.
But, like Miroslav said, not every sound generating object will have the same reverb sound.
Also, reverb can be used for other purposes than just simulating a room. It can be used to create distance/intamicy, etc....
Exactly that..
When you stand in a room...not every sound generating object will have the same reverb sound.
It's all about the production...not necessarily "realism".
While I like to mix with a "live-band-in-room" mentality...I use at least 3 different reverb types during mixdown, with my usual favorites being:
Plate reverb
Medium-Short Hall
Medium-Long Hall
Along with them, I use dry delay on some tracks...and almost-no-reverb on others.
That combination along with panning and levels, allows me to manipulate both width and height in the soundstage, giving me a more 3-D sound.
The way I see it is, if you're specifically going for the sound of the band
playing in a specific place (concert hall, live room etc.) then carefully use
that kind of reverb to create that sound. On the other hand, reverbs go way
beyond that.
As RAMI said, they can be used to create distance/intimacy. If you want
a sound way off in the distance, use a big long reverb. If you want the singer
smack in your face (but still a little wetted down), use a plate with short
decay time and some pre-delay.
Look at Led Zeppelin - When the Levee Breaks, and how the drums sound.
The whole band doesn't necessarily sound like that, but it works. Unless
you go nuts on different reverb sounds, it'll be fine. Just use what's best
for the track. Otherwise you'll do crazy things like reverb on bass and kick
in up-tempo songs
