IMP Homework Episode 5: Reverb: Convolution or algorithmic?
wesperdueSummary
This is episode five of my series on music production for my Coursera class Introduction to Music Production. I discuss convolution and algorithmic reverb effects.
To the reviewer
This week was challenging for a few reasons. First, I'm not very familiar with reverb, possibly I'm not really fond of it. I find it very difficult to work with.
Second, adding example sounds into the podcast complicated the mix. This is the first time I've added sounds after the fact to a recording.
Preparing the sound samples was actually fun, since I love playing with drum machines and rhythms. I would have used a drum synth if I wasn't concerned I would have gotten lost in the synthesis process. I find drum synthesis sound design to be really enjoyable.
Finally, the time limit was impossible to meet this week. I was over by 1:18 in the final mix, but I was closer to five minutes before I inserted the samples.
Key terms
Algorithmic reverb: uses a mathematical model of a space to calculate the reverb sound of the modeled space.
Convolution reverb: uses an impulse response actually recorded in a space to create the reverb sound of that space.
Early reflections: the distinct echoes heard in a room immediately after a sound is made; they are usually the echoes bouncing off the nearby walls.
Reverb tail: the wash of indistinct echoes that blend together and linger in a room, bouncing back and forth long after a sound is gone until they dissipate and are absorbed by the room.
Impulse response: a recording of an impulse in a space (like a clap) that is used to re-create the reverb of that space in a convolution reverb.
Pre-delay: the time between the sound and its early reflections.
Links
ValhallaDSP's ValhallaVintageVerb
How to use convolution reverb for sound effects
References
Apple. Logic Studio Effects, 2009. Apple - Logic Pro 9 - Resources The effects manual from Logic's documentation; chapter 11 is on reverb effects.
Robinson, George. The Ultimate Guide to Reverb, First Edition, August 2012. Getthatprosound.com
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