Gated reverb is a distinctive audio effect often used in music production to create dramatic, punchy reverb tails that abruptly cut off after a short period. It's especially popular in rock, pop, and 80s music (notably used on drums). Here’s a basic guide on how to use gated reverb effectively:
1. Understand the Effect
- Reverb creates a sense of space and depth by simulating how sound waves reflect off surfaces in an environment.
- Gating refers to using a noise gate to cut off the reverb tail after a certain threshold. This creates a "tight" reverb effect where the sound is abruptly silenced, giving it a punchy, controlled feel.
2. Set Up a Reverb Effect
- Insert a reverb plugin on the track you want to apply the effect to (drums, vocals, guitar, etc.).
- Choose a reverb type (hall, plate, room, etc.). For gated reverb, a plate reverb or hall reverb works best due to their dense and smooth decay characteristics.
3. Adjust Reverb Parameters
- Decay Time: Set the decay or reverb tail to be relatively long. This is key to creating a noticeable gated effect. Start with a decay time around 1–2 seconds, but you can go longer depending on the vibe.
- Pre-delay: Set a short pre-delay (e.g., 10–30ms) to create a slight gap between the dry signal and the reverb.
4. Add a Gate (Noise Gate)
- Insert a noise gate after the reverb in your signal chain. The gate will act on the reverb signal, not the dry signal.
- Threshold: Set the threshold level where the gate engages. This is typically set just below the level of the reverb’s natural tail (but higher than the dry signal). The idea is to let the reverb ring out until it decays below the threshold, then quickly cut it off.
- Attack: Set a fast attack time to ensure that the gate kicks in quickly after the reverb decays to a certain level.
- Release: Set a medium release time to prevent the gate from cutting off too abruptly and causing unwanted clicks. A quick release can sound unnatural, so aim for a release time that feels musical.
5. Fine-Tune the Effect
- Mix/Blend: Adjust the wet/dry balance of the reverb to taste. For a subtle gated effect, keep the reverb low in the mix, but for a more pronounced gated sound, raise it.
- Experiment with Gate Settings: The key to a good gated reverb is fine-tuning the gate’s threshold and release. If the reverb cuts off too abruptly or doesn't cut off soon enough, adjust these parameters until you find a balance that sounds natural and punchy.
6. Use on Specific Elements
- Drums: Gated reverb is particularly effective on snare drums. It creates a big, room-filling sound without lingering too long. Apply the effect to the snare track and adjust until the reverb tail fades out sharply.
- Vocals: Gated reverb can also be used on vocals for a dramatic, ‘80s-style’ sound. Ensure the gate doesn’t cut off too early, as it can make vocals sound unnatural.
- Percussion or Other Instruments: Gated reverb can add excitement to other instruments, like toms, guitars, or synths, creating a dynamic, almost “explosive” effect.
7. Creative Tips
- Automation: Automate the gate’s threshold or reverb level in sections of the song where you want more dramatic effect (e.g., during a bridge or chorus).
- Layering: Combine gated reverb with other effects, like delay or distortion, to create unique textures.
- Sidechain Gating: For more dynamic control, you can sidechain the gate to another element (like the kick drum) to ensure the reverb cuts off in time with the rhythm.
Conclusion
The key to effective gated reverb is balance and subtlety. By adjusting reverb decay, gate threshold, and release time, you can create everything from subtle ambiance to full-on ‘80s-style sonic explosions. Experimentation is key to finding the right sound for your track!
By the Stealify Team!
Check out our MIDI Pack collection to help you PRODUCE HIT SONGS FASTER, EASIER & BREAK THROUGH WRITERS BLOCK! Simply drag and drop!