Choosing a Reverb - Mixing With Mike Mixing Tip

[@owlmuso]

5 years on and this video is a classic. Still one of the most informative videos on Reverb. Thanks Mike

[@sevchyk]

Dear Michael. Your tutorials on creating depth in the mix with reverbs and delays are the best on youtube, and that's not just sweet words, I really mean it, no joking. I've watched a lot of stuff like Yoad Nevo or Chris Lord-Alge from youtube, but what distinguishes you from them is that you concentrate more on real traditional sound engineering and acoustics rather than promoting some kind of a plugin. You make a general overview, a plan for creating that professional sound (you hit the nail on the head in these videos) that every hobbyist youtube blogger hears but doesn't tell how to recreate it. So thank you very much for the efforts that you've made while creating these videos, I really think that what you're doing will serve for the good of the people and the music in general.

[@marceloribeirosimoes8959]

I know that words are losing their huge effects on people's minds. But I must say that is so rare to find a tutorial so deep and so simple, so straight and so omnibus at the same time. Thank you very much for not only the sound/techniques teachings but also for the care to be precisely didactic and to choose details and words that help us to easily understand what needs to be deeply understood. And this could be (should, and have been) said about almost all your videos, Michael.

[@JongriffinBiz]

As always Mike, you give so much, you have such a generous, inspiring spirit. Thankyou.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Jon!

[@sevchyk]

The best lessons on mixing ever.

[@tuknchuk]

Mike, I saved this video to watch later bc it was a little too heavy for the time I had when it pop up in my search. Honestly, I had my doubts, bc this can be a tedious subject... but, later when I was in the right head space to absorb it, I truly learned so much... and info that's not out there already. So many people just keep repeating and RE-presenting information (that they read or learned from their teacher )(who was also just repeating it) that they really know very about. Thank You, You've given us such great concepts and ways to understand reverb and how to move forward... listening to music and working on mastering reverb. Subscription earned and then some !!! Thanks so much : )

[@tonyd6753]

wow. unbelievably good explanation. thank you mike

[@peekpen]

Thanks for the thought to include transcripts.

[@j.r.a.inthacut8148]

You're one helluva teacher! Thanks man, this is incredible

[@albertwangny]

Even there is no demonstration, but I learned a lot of technology from your talk about how to apply reverb. Thank Mike! You are a really great engineer with many many experiences! Thanks again!

[@kenwatts3848]

Wow, Mike. Your videos have taught me a lot but mostly they have made me realize how little I really know. 😂 The way you use visual analogies is priceless.

[@whatdanielson]

Michael. I know this is an older video, but this is good shit man.

[@marcelog6847]

This 25 minutes video of yours will give me tools and technics to think about for several days, thanks Michael !

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@chaddonal4331]

This is GOLD!

[@ClashixTV]

this info is golden. I never really considered this. thank you so much.

[@AnuGunn]

The best video I've seen about reverb. Sub'd.

[@commonsense4993]

Extremely helpful in several ways: thinking about note pace and 3D space of each individual instrument is obvious now that you have explained it, but it was a mystery before as I didn't figure out each instrument and part of the song should be tailored to share with the others. Using mono instead of just trying to fill the room with stereo reverb is also huge. Then your explanation that plates helps in how they should add a resonate frequency to supplement the dry sound spectrum to add character. Thank you!!!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@mythaimusic39]

This contract thing is so true, mixing is to create an illusion, just like art

[@chiefindisguise]

This is the most complete and detailed explanation of using reverb that i have seen on YT, thanks for sharing Mike!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@dwaynearthur1476]

Sonic wisdom , instant Subscriber .

[@stephenfoale6687]

ive been studying electronic music production for the last two years, ive been watching your videos for less than 2 weeks and I have already learned more from you haha cheer Michael

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Stephen!

[@QuabmasM]

Man I love this channel! This video really helped me wrap my mind around the concepts/rules Ive been taught but didnt necessarily understand. For the first time, I get the benefits of tweaking the early reflections. I always noticed reverbs could add tonal changes to a sound but I see now how I can use that to my benefit if Im selective about which reverb I choose(the with the best tonal contrast that fits the style of music).

[@mixingwithmike]

Perfect! Exactly what I was hoping for when making the video!

[@kaveiros75]

I cannot say that I liked that "drawing" way of presentation. Otherwise, this was one of the most useful and informative video I 've ever watched, over a subject that (I thought) I knew a lot. Excellent work!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@chaddonal4331]

So, 17:30... regarding space clarity and separation -- Is it better than to INSERT Mono Reverbs on primary tracks (lead vocal, elec guitars) rather than using Aux Sends for everything?

[@DynamicRockers]

Absolutely the best lesson on reverb ever. thank you so much!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@nowl7274]

Man. You’ve helped me a ton with this video. Thank go this explains on when and why to use a reverb rather than what it’s parameters are.

[@ottomlgaardjakobsen3542]

Thaaaank you! This is what i needed. I’ve been feeling stuck in my mixing lately whenever i got to the reverb and choosing the right one. This really clarified things for me, and Im so inspired to get back to work. Its about having a vision before you just push up the faders! Im so glad i took the 26 minutes off and watched this. Thank you again good sir!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@lk0707]

well done. a lot of usefull tips. Thank you.

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks!

[@thelurkingfigure]

Reverb is my mortal enemy! Thanks for the tips!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers David!

[@ndongolo]

Is there a way to make donation? I feel like I should pay for listening to you. I bought mix lessons from M. Weiss but that's nothing compared to the information you are sharing with us for free. Truly appreciate it Mike!

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Ousmane! I appreciate the support but do not take donations at this time. You should visit my website www.mpginsider.com and check out what I have going on there. If you like what you see, buy a course or membership. Otherwise, spread the word with your friends for the YT channel. Cheers! Mike

[@daumantasbaba9358]

hell yeah i also got M weiis courses like about compressor for example it cost 70$ but i learned very little from him he has only few videos in course and this guy is truly amaizing giving this for free god bless him

[@nichttuntun3364]

Incredibly use- and helpful. Thanks. Cheers

[@מאירכהן-ח3צ]

Very depth guide thx a lot

[@ndongolo]

MIke would you suggest using reverbs as insert? Since every element in a mix has to have a reverb selected based on the element's characteristics. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@eds4754]

Brilliant as ever. Was fairly confident with my reverb use but definitely picked up some cool concepts here. Cheers Mike.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Ed!

[@darrenfox5165]

I love how you suggested using a reverb that contrasts the source material. I always assumed otherwise for the most part but your explanation was eye opening. keep the videos coming professor. absolutely flawless explanation. thanks for the effort and generosity :)

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Darren!

[@GuyTallo]

Very clear explanation. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@AARONKAYE]

more info about this than i've ever seen anywhere else!

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks!

[@VINISAMPLES]

Hey Mike, a tip I hear a lot is to try and limit the number of different reverbs on my tracks, to create a sense of unity and cohesion in space. How do you approach this if you have a plate on a vocal, a hall on a synth, a spring on a guitar and a room on drums? Cheers!

[@STMRecords1]

all of your videos are excellent and full of extremely useful information, thankyou!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Greg!

[@giovannigramegna8566]

Just amazing! Great stuff man! Thank you so much for doing this.

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Giovanni !

[@sevchyk]

Great stuff indeed.

[@tkgoldman7533]

Thanks Mike. I'm learning a ton from your tutorials. Keep them coming please!

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers TK!

[@MatthewDovetail]

Great content!

[@sidude8795]

Another brilliantly informative video. Many thanks...

[@IamtheI]

when you say you spilt the reverb at around 17:30 , you mention setting up two reverbs with the same settings.... one reverb occupies the right side and the other reverb occupies the left.... Couldnt this be done by just setting up on stereo instance of a reverb and just linking the panners on the source tracks????

[@IamtheI]

i think i figured it out... the two mono reverbs leave space in the areas where they are not panned...

[@darrensmusicstudio]

Michael, your videos are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Darren

[@alxiroi]

Great tutorial Once Again. Very Helpful. Thumbs up

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Alexis!

[@Take-the-Ticket]

Great video! Good information about reverbs, thanks.

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Grave!

[@Thecheckmate777]

Ur videos have Credible Information, Thanks Mike Keep Em' Comin'!

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks!

[@parkermiddleton5218]

Amazing info. Thanks a ton Michael!

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Parker!

[@CahlajWasHere]

Thanks for the information. We appreciate it.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

Great tutorial Mike ! more like this please...hearing lots of depth in a mix but hearing little reverb has always perplexed me,i always ask myself well what's filling the space i don't hear anything BUT it sounds full could you possibly do i full tutorial on this?..never tried mono reverbs either i must give that a go

[@mixingwithmike]

I am drawing up some good tutorials for this. Search my channel for vids on Early Reflections. That is where most of the felt space comes from. Cheers! Mike

[@inactiveaccount843]

Another gem, big up...

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@Lemanu26]

thanks a lot for this video!

[@mixingwithmike]

Thanks Manuel !

[@JeromeTrumanClubb]

Well said. Thanks

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Jerome!

[@RevoltStudio-hj6tj]

Goldmine ❤

[@musicoamante]

Question(s): Unless somebody uses headphones or near-field monitors and since every listening room has its own acoustics and therefore its own reverb we actually do percieve the room effects of the recording and the listening room simultaneously. How heavy is (approximately) the impact of the listening room vs the room effects of the recording? Do we have to worry about the listening room acoustics at all? Anything we can do about it? (I personally mix with as little reverb as possible).

[@mixingwithmike]

The listening room acoustics are completely out of your control and so widely varied that there is no way to compensate for them. In most professional mixes, effects sound a bit exaggerated in a quiet well designed mix room. The idea being that a noisier environment, like a car for example, will negate the audibility of those same effects. One of the many benefits of compression is the ability to compact the dynamic range of the lowest level sound to the highest so that the overall mix, with effects, will translate better to most consumer environments. Although many hate heavily compressed mixes and masters, there is a reason why they are effective and desired in the marketplace. One of those benefits is the effects being audible regardless of listening environment. Hope this makes sense... Mike

[@rickinio]

Bit late to the party but very helpful video, thanks! :)

[@Seany06]

Great vid as usual!! One area that stll confuses me with making the reverb sound far is pre delay, short pre delay makes it sound more distant, yet long pre delay gives it more depth?

[@mixingwithmike]

In general, longer pre-delay will make the reverb more distant, but there is a point where it just becomes an echo effect and sounds unnatural. Shorter pre-delays will create more intimate separation. Best way to approach it is to close your eyes while adjusting the pre-delay until it sound the way you like. Then look at the numbers. Depending on the density of the arrangement, you may get what you want with a short or long pre-delay time. Another good trick is to use musical value pre-delay times. 1/128, 1/64, 1/32, 1/16 notes. Sounds crazy but it almost always works. Cheers! Mike

[@Seany06]

Michael White Hi thanks for the response Mike, yes I use timed pre delays alo of the times. I'm making 80s music and often times in the early 80s they would only have 1 or 2 reverbs, any thoughts on effective ways to pick an 'overall' reverb pre delay time, like if you only had 1 reverb for the whole track? What sounds if any would you base the pre delay time off? Also back in the day was it common to have say 1 reverb but then sent to multiple pre delays so you could have multiple different pre delays for the reverb(and different eq settings etc too) ? Many thanks. Started watching your videos last year and really helped me with the way I and I'm sure others 'look' at this stuff.

[@mixingwithmike]

Most mixes from the 80s had more than 1 reverb. At minimum you would have 3 verbs, short, medium and long. If you had only on reverb, I would set it to no predelay, but also have 3 delay reterns that feed directly into the 1 reverb. This would give you 4 options for reverb sound and any combo in between. I have used this technique for some jazz mixes that were studio recordings but they wanted the performance to sound like it was happening in a club venue. in this case the one reverb to define the overall space is critical to the sound. Hope this helps! Mike

[@NathanBrown-dk5wh]

Hey mike I have a question when you setup the early reflections of a reverb without the reverb tail does it matter if you have your time (decay) into a zero on one reverb and then add another reverb to adjust the tail and add the time (decay) time that suits the track does it matter if the early reflection verb has decay time set or not?

[@nandoblondemobydick5438]

Thanks very clever

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@f4t0l]

Hey Mike, great video as always. Wanted to ask about the concept of using reverb as a way to glue to mix together. What are some ways you would approach this, and is this something you would typically do?

[@mixingwithmike]

Using reverb to glue a mix together usually works best with mixes of live performances. In that case, i might use the same basic reverb for all instruments but give each instrument a separate send and return. This way, I can make subtle adjustments to each reverb to adapt it to each instrument. Otherwise, Early Reflections do a better job of gluing a mix together for most studio productions.

[@youryella]

You damn genius.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers Chris!

[@svndrose3277]

thxxxxxxx

[@jamondru]

Mike, any favorite IR packs?

[@mixingwithmike]

Hey Drew, Not a huge IR user. I have the Waves collection for IR1 but do not own Altiverb. I guess Altiverb would have the most comprehensive collection of impulses, but to me, the number of options easily gets overwhelming. I think huge collections of IRs is much more suited for post production than music production. To me, many of the vintage emulations are now way better than the IRs of the same units, and plugins like the Eventide T-Verb and the OceanWay studios by UA are going to be more the direction going forward for music production. I guess I'd rather have fewer high end options that a long list of spaces. Great question though, worth a further discussion. Cheers! Mike

[@YoungStuntYuan]

60/BPM*1000ms=ms in one beat

[@yonihaimovich]

This is way too advanced for me. And too theoretical. It's meaningless if you don't demonstrate anything

[@sevchyk]

Shut up, you're just too stupid to figure everything out...

[@darrenfox5165]

I love how you suggested using a reverb that contrasts the source material. I always assumed otherwise for the most part but your explanation was eye opening. keep the videos coming professor. absolutely flawless explanation. thanks for the effort and generosity :)

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!