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3. Reverb

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Let’s start with the reverb effect and try some different settings. We have a dry, stabby synth sound that could be treated in different ways, and we’ve loaded UltraSpace as an insert. Selecting the preset REV Hall Big, the mix control for the multitap is already on zero, and we’ve set reverb mix to 100% and global mix to about 30%. 2

You can see straight away from the controls and the graphic that this large reverb has a predelay, and if you hover your cursor over a parameter (we’ve chosen predelay), its value shows up in the main display. This is a really handy feature, particularly as there are no values on the parameter controls. 3

As the name implies, this is already a big reverb, but UltraSpace can do really big spaces and really long decays. Try increasing the size and decay controls individually to see the effect they have. By increasing the decay to its maximum, we can create almost infinite decay times, which is great for creative effects. 4

Now let’s look at some shorter reverbs. We’ve inserted an instance of UltraSpace across our stabby piano sound and loaded the preset REV Room Bright 2, setting the mix blends accordingly. This has a large size but much smaller decay to create a natural space that decays quickly. Try using the monitor option to just listen to the reverb. 5

An important feature of this preset is ‘Swirl’. This adds modulation to the reverb and is great for adding a processed richness, working really well with shorter decay times. Try different settings for Swirl and once again use the monitor option. You’ll be able to hear quite clearly the impact it has on the sound. 6

Further reverb shaping includes diffusion, which influences the density of the reflections, and both high and low frequency damping. Also, though not specific to the reverb, try the duck effect. This helps reduce the reverb when input signal is present. Simply set the level to taste using the limit option, to control maximum ducking.