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How to Add Reverb to Vocals

Reverb is an audio effect that approximates the acoustic properties of a large space. It is similar to, but distinct from, an echo. While an echo repeats the original sound at an ever diminishing volume, reverb repeats only the ambiance of the sound. Adding reverb to vocals "softens" the edges of the sound and creates an illusion of space. Deep reverb creates the distinctive, spacial vocal sound on "Jesus To a Child" by George Michael. The process for adding reverb differs slightly depending on your production setup, but both approaches are relatively straightforward.

Things You'll Need

  • Patch leads
  • Music production software
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Instructions

  1. Analog Studio

    • 1

      Patch the outboard reverb unit to a free auxiliary channel. Connect a patch lead between the reverb unit patch socket and your chosen auxiliary channel. Patch bays typically have a numerical index denoting which units are wired to which patch bay socket.

    • 2

      Patch the auxiliary channel into the vocal channel. The auxiliary channel has two sockets, one in and one out. Connect a second patch lead between the auxiliary output and the channel input. For example, if the vocals are on channel six, connect "Aux out" to the input socket on channel strip for channel 6. This creates a loop between the reverb unit, the auxiliary channel and the vocal channel. The auxiliary channel now governs the reverb effect. The reverb effect is then applied to the vocal channel.

    • 3

      Increase the gain of the auxiliary channel on the mixer. So if you are using "Aux 1," increase the gain of the "Aux 1" channel on the mixer.

    • 4

      Adjust the parameters of the reverb unit. Use the arrow buttons to select a reverb type. Typical examples include "Cave," "Church" and "Chamber." Turn the "Decay" dial to increase or decrease the persistence of the reverb after the note. Adjust the "Mix" dial to determine the ratio of affected and unaffected signal.

    Computer-Based Studio

    • 5

      Play the audio track. Double-click on the left-hand side of the vocal track channel to highlight it.

    • 6

      Click the "M" symbol to mute the channel. This lets you hear the effect of the reverb more clearly.

    • 7

      Click on "Effects." On some programs, such as Logic, effects are listed under "Inserts." Click on "Reverb."

    • 8

      Select a reverb type. Scroll through the drop-down menu and click on your reverb type.

    • 9

      Adjust the reverb parameters. Use your cursor to move the parameter dials up and down. Click the "Bypass" button to compare the signal with and without reverb.

Recording Music

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