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3. Reverb basics

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Hyperspace CM2 is ideal for the algorithmic spaces we typically use on beats. To get started, load up a new instance on an auxiliary and set the Mix to 100% wet. Now head to the preset folder and from the Real Spaces – Small folder choose a preset – we’ve picked Bedroom. 2

Let’s try a couple of very different effects by tweaking this preset. First up, adding width and depth to a regular snare. We’ve included some example audio for you (download from FileSilo) to use and the Kit Snare is ideal, but any regular dry snare sound will do for this. 3

Use the auxiliary sends to add a small amount of effect. Note, we’re not looking to add too much here. The reverb sound is OK, but needs tweaking. First up, reduce the decay time slightly. Here we’ve double clicked on the parameter to reveal the number entry and we’re changing the Time parameter to about 500ms. 4

Now the sound is tight as required but is still maybe a bit too bright. There are various ways we can change this on Hyperspace CM2. We’re going to use the Damp parameter. Increasing this to about 80% delivers exactly what we’re after. Try A/Bing to hear the difference. 5

Now let’s start again with the same original preset. This time we’re going for a more obvious effect and for this we’re using an analogue snare – Electro Snare from the example audio is ideal. Again use the auxiliary to send a small amount to the reverb. 6

For a metallic effect that works well with the electro snare, start by reducing the Damp parameter (we’ve gone for about 20%), then finesse the sound further with the Filter and Tilt. If you increase the Filter (we’ve set ours to about 70%) it’s in high pass mode, while a higher Tilt value further boosts the highs.

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Medium size reverbs are ideal for enhancing DI’d sounds and generally bringing together multiple overdubbed parts. Here we’re using a mono DI’d electric piano (check out the Electric

Piano audio in the tutorial files) and once again we’ve loaded up an instance of Hyperspace CM2 on an auxiliary.

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Start by choosing a medium preset – we’ve picked Coloured Hall. This is quite a rich sounding medium space with a decay of about a second. Try increasing the Modulate parameter for more movement and increasing the Tilt setting to shift the EQ away from the low mids and towards the higher frequencies.

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Now let’s try a similar reverb on a close miked acoustic piano ( Acoustic

Piano audio from the tutorial files). We’ve chosen preset Bright Hall. The sound is OK but a bit congested. Try shifting the Early/ Late balance to mostly late (we’ve set it to about 80%). Finally, use the Duck control to suppress reverb when the source plays.