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#498770 - 09/11/03 10:28 AM compressing reverb
SNEDLEY
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I wonder if you guys ever use comp. on reverb returns. The reason I ask is that sometimes I get the verb sounding good for normal vocal notes and then the higher more powerful words tend to get a strange megaphone type quality. I'm using a PCM 70 rich chamber setting with predelay at about 50ms and returning into two channels(tracks) hard left and hard right. I can insert a comp on these return channels to reduce the effect but this seems a strange way to go. Am I missing something basic in the reverb settings
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#498771 - 09/11/03 11:01 AM Re: compressing reverb
jpmiii
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For similar problems I've put compressors on the send to the reverb to control some of the peaks but haven't done the return.

I haven't had occasion to use a PCM70 for some time but I can't say I remember hearing them get real weird or anything but then again it has been a few years.
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#498772 - 09/11/03 11:46 AM Re: compressing reverb
Zeke Smith.
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I have in the past compressed reverb sends to smooth out responses in the reverb program and to avoid transient slapbacks and things. I've compressed reverb returns to bring the reverb tail up more "in your face" and even sounding without increasing the reverb level.

It doesn't hurt to try. Are your wet/dry mix parameters set all the way wet for the return? Have you checked phase? It sounds like that may be a problem.
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#498773 - 09/11/03 12:13 PM Re: compressing reverb
dtobocman
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Registered: 09/26/02
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Compress the send, or ride the level.
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#498774 - 09/13/03 07:08 AM Re: compressing reverb
GreggTL
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Registered: 12/23/02
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Compressing the return is just a different thing, and it's going to fit different on different programs and different songs. I think it may have fallen a little out of vogue in recent years. A friend of mine who used to mix some of the original rock hits (Eddie Cochoran thru Iron Butterfly) told me that back before they had nothing but live chambers,tape delay,and compressors, for each song they would chose which order to put those three things in. You have to be careful because compressed reverb return can easily mask out detail and stereo image if the level's too hot but for my money, on things like handclaps it can sound great-- better than anything else! Please respond back from time to time with things you successfully use it on. I had kinda forgotten about it, but now that I have a big stack of old reverbs lying around, I might start putting it on some things. Thanks for bringing it up.
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#498775 - 09/13/03 04:18 PM Re: compressing reverb
shikawkee
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Registered: 05/31/01
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Compression on reverb was used liberally on Radiohead's OK Computer.
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#498776 - 09/15/03 10:50 AM Re: compressing reverb
SNEDLEY
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I've found that I can switch the loop send on the 430 to be post comp and eq. So I'm using that instead of the post pre extra out. Just tried it briefly but already notice a difference
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#498777 - 09/17/03 09:33 PM Re: compressing reverb
invisibl
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Registered: 11/14/02
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Um. Could you be overdriving either the In on the Verb Or the return to the Desk On yr LOUD notes?

Just a thought.
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#498778 - 09/18/03 09:45 AM Re: compressing reverb
EvanGR
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Registered: 09/17/03
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In some occassions, compressing the reverb will magnify the imprefections that occur mostly during the reverb tail (i.e. aliasing, quantization noise). This is especially true for the cheaper variety of reverb units, and when using low bit-depths. If you go easy on the compressor settings you can avoid/minimize such artifacts... or maybe you find them musically appealing in the context of your music.
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#498779 - 09/18/03 12:22 PM Re: compressing reverb
Fletcher
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Registered: 05/22/00
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Compressing reverb returns is often very cool... so is using an expander on the reverb send... the two tricks together can net some exceptionally cool textures to the presentation.
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#498780 - 03/29/04 01:48 AM Re: compressing reverb
Griffini
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Registered: 03/28/04
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Compressing the input to the reverbs can give you nice reverb tails between phrases but cleans up the mix if input gets too hot. Good for acoustic guitar, piano etc.
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#498781 - 03/29/04 02:30 AM Re: compressing reverb
Bill Mueller
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Registered: 06/22/03
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Loc: Maryland

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I have used a compressed return followed by a gate on a snare verb but for bg vocals the thing is to De-Ess the send. Then you can have a fairly bright verb tail but sibilance does not cause it to zing badly.

Bill
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#498782 - 03/29/04 06:39 AM Re: compressing reverb
X-Facta
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Have used compression on spring reverb with fixed delay time to make it seems as if the tail is longer & also control the initial peak (using on snare)..
Sounded groovy as I recall. I think I will have to try it again soon.
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