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17. Wacky sound design with convolution processing
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Convolution reverb takes a reverberant recording of a simple sound – in this context called an impulse response (IR) – and applies its characteristics to the reverb it creates. Load 808loop.wav from the Tutorial Files and place a convolution reverb over it – we’re using the Maxpowered Convolution Reverb Pro included with Live Suite, but Logic’s Space Designer or FL Studio’s Convolver work similarly.
2
Convolution plugins will come stocked with a healthy selection of impulse responses, captured in a variety of rooms, halls, chambers and characterful spaces. However, many will also let users import their own audio files to act as an IR. This allows us to ‘steal’ the sonic characteristics of one sound and apply it to another. Take Big_Verb12.wav and drag it into the convolution reverb.
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Now listen to our drum machine loop run through this newly created reverb. Compare this to the audio file we’re using as an IR. Note that, since the source sound is quite bass heavy, our new reverb is similarly dark and low-end focussed. Play around with the reverb plugin’s parameters to see how we can manipulate and shape this new sound further.
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It’s not just reverberant sounds that can be used as IRs, though. Listen to white_noise.wav from the Tutorial Files folder. Now drag this into the convolution plugin and pull the Decay, Size and Predelay down to relatively modest amounts. Hit play and experiment with the dry/wet balance; hear how this effect imparts a fizzy, white noise hiss into our drum machine loop.
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Found sounds make for great experimental IR material. We’ve included two in the Tutorial Files folder – BabyRattle.wav and Bubble.wav. Try loading each into your convolution plugin. Hear how the rattle adds a shakerlike quality, while the bubble gives us a bouncy, rounded sound almost akin to a formant filter or talkbox effect.
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Convolution Reverb Pro’s Split mode lets us use different IRs for the early and late reflections. Load BabyRattle.wav into the Early slot and Bubble.wav into the Late – things will get weird! As ever with sound design, experimentation is key. Try different IRs over a variety of sounds. Not everything will work, but you’ll find some oddball brilliance in there!