Get Creative Using Delay and Reverb Effects

Delay and reverb are two effects most often utilized by music producers. They are crucial for more than just creating a sense of space. We may, however, utilize them creatively to add an atmosphere to our mix. I'll show you how to get creative using delay and reverb effects in this tutorial.

Here's a short sequence I've been working on in our SoundBridge: DAW that contains basic full mix elements and a simple synth arp. Let's listen to the mix and then the synth arp solo.

~Full Mix - Synth Arp (Unprocessed)

~Synth Arp (Unprocessed)

How to Get Creative with Your Delay and Reverb Effects

As you can hear from the audio examples above, I purposefully left the synth arp unprocessed. While we can process it in various ways, the next trick I'll show you is pretty interesting. Similar effect units available can achieve a similar effect, but I chose SuperMassive by Valhalla this time. Let us place a new instance on the synth arp's effect rack and look at its interface.

There obviously aren't a lot of controls or parameters on the user interface. I opened the Mode menu so you could check out all the different modes. Each mode is distinct and has a variety of uses. While others offer lush and massive reverb effects, some are more delay-based. One of the most intriguing parameters is the Warp, which enables users to modify the delay lengths relative to the delay setting. Also, the Density parameter regulates how dense the echoes are as you turn the feedback parameter up.

Firstly, for this trick, we will need a reverb-based mode like Pisces. You'll notice that I've set the mix to 50%, the delay time to 1/4 note, the feedback and density to the maximum, and the filter to narrow the frequency range.

~Synth Arp Solo (SuperMassive Without Automation)

The Process in a Nutshell

The sound has a large atmosphere, but we can make it even more enjoyable by automating the Warp and Mix parameters. In this manner, we add movement to the atmosphere created by the reverb, effectively transforming it into an uplifted effect. Finally, let us hear it individually and then in the context of the whole mix.

~Synth Arp Solo ( SuperMassive With Automation)

~Full Mix - Synth Arp (Processed With SuperMassive )

If you liked this article about sound design, here are some more on the same subject:

• Create a Tonal Ambiance in Your Mix

• Using a Ducking Reverb Effect in Your Tracks

• Advanced Sound Manipulation with "I Wish": Part 1

• Get Creative With Comb Filter

• 6 Ways To Create an Atmosphere