Using reverb in the mastering process

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Typo Szar
Member Since: Jul 04, 2002

any tips? plug-in recommendations?

as far as i understand it at the moment, reverb is used in the mastering stage to put the song in a "room" or sorts?

pretty vague on this one, any pointers are welcome

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MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Jan 21, 2009 01:39 am

It's a very rare occasion, other than to fix bad edits.

We actually joke a lot about the current fad of "mastering" reverbs... All in all, it's probably used about as much as maul-the-band compression (which is also rather rare).

No real "pointers" -- But it's normally reserved for goofy editing mistakes. I might put a whisker on a classical piece that was recorded differently than the 9 other pieces on a record... *If* it will make it sound like the rest.

But generally speaking, subjecting an entire mix to a reverb signal is reserved for oddities - and then only if I can't get the mix engineer to send a remix - or if it's something so minor that it's truly transparent to the end user.

I couldn't recommend a specific plug... One that works with the source. One that's tweakable beyond the scope of most (in most cases) but I'm really picky about doing such things - the only one I currently use for the task is Samp 10's native verb - Perhaps the best digital reverb I've ever laid ears on. UAD's DreamVerb is nice if you take the time with it.

Still - I'd try to correct the problem at the source whenever possible. If the mix isn't "in the right room" in the first place, waiting for the mastering phase is just slightly better than waiting for the shrink-wrapping phase.

I tune down down...
Member
Since: Jun 11, 2007


Jan 21, 2009 02:38 pm

Now, he is probably the authority here for that stuff, but I do like to add just a TOUCH of reverb to the whole track to help pull it all together some more.

I know he'll just say it's because the mix wasn't good enough, but I know that people even with good mixes (as I like to think mine are) use a little bit of the verb spice the mix and fatten it up just a touch. But, overdoing it can REALLY muddy stuff up so be careful!

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Jan 21, 2009 03:46 pm

I use a little from time to time, maybe only a 7% wet mix though. As Cynic said, just to pull everything together when needed.

Although, I would rather verb an instrument before I get to that phase.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Jan 21, 2009 04:14 pm

I've said it before, but I think effects are like makeup on a woman. You know you've done it right when the product looks or sounds great, but you don't notice any of the post production, so to speak.

But I'm no Max Factor, and then there's the turd polishing angle, etc. etc...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 22, 2009 08:39 pm

But the Myth Buster's did indeed polish a turd!

Look it up, I dare ya.

I'm not lying.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Jan 23, 2009 06:45 am

Hahaha I know! Saw it. Laughed heartily.


http://www.dorodango.com/images/red_dorodango.jpg



Rather pretty, too.

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Jan 23, 2009 10:59 am

I wonder if there's some company out there planning on marketing them... There are so many places that would keep one in an office. Every recording studio, photographic retouching facilities, on and on and on...

I'd buy one...

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Jan 23, 2009 11:10 am

Modeling agencies....

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 24, 2009 08:46 pm

I should get one for here as well.

Herb, modeling agenies indeed.

Member
Since: Sep 08, 2009


Sep 08, 2009 10:43 am

I would of thought 7% is a huge amount on a whole mix? I only use 4-8% on a main vocal line. But it's probably the type of music i produce.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Sep 08, 2009 12:33 pm

All depends on what type of reverb you are using I suppose. I have a 10x12 room that is packed full (the only room in my house that is actually mine) and getting a good room mic tone is next to impossible. If I was able to capture more air in my recording process I would not have to use any verb. As it stands my mixes would sound very dry and that is why I use it.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


Sep 08, 2009 08:41 pm

I've pretty much stopped using it in the master, my mixes have enough/too much on the individual tracks. :)

Dan

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Sep 08, 2009 08:54 pm

my turds come out already pre polished.
just like in that pic actually.


it would definatley depend on the verb for sure.

Veni, MIDI, Vici
Member
Since: Jul 02, 2008


Sep 08, 2009 09:29 pm

I hardly ever use reverb on the master anymore. Have to admit, I did in the past. Live and learn...

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