Ep19 Building a FOH Mix Pt 4: Reverbs, Delays and other FX

Key takeaways

Time-based effects such as reverbs and delays play a crucial role in building a front of house mix, adding depth and space to the sound.
Understanding different reverb types—room, hall, plate—enables sound engineers to make informed decisions based on the desired sound quality and context.
Delay effects enhance mixes by filling empty spaces, thickening sounds, and providing the ability to create stereo width.
Utilizing modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser can add unique characteristics to a mix, though their use is often context-specific.
Effective processing of sends and returns with EQ and compression techniques can dramatically improve overall mix clarity and balance.

Summary

Introduction and Overview of Time-Based Effects

In this episode, the hosts, Ryan, Brandon, and Joe, introduce the main topic: building a front of house mix focusing on time-based effects, particularly reverbs and delays. They humorously discuss providing bad advice about mixing, emphasizing that while they aim to cover good practices, their approach might veer toward unconventional methods. They offer insights into the usage and significance of time-based effects compared to EQ and compression.

Exploring Reverb Types

The hosts dive deep into reverb, covering its definition as sound reflecting in a room. They explore various types of reverbs, such as room, hall, plate, and non-linear, discussing their unique attributes and when to use them. Room reverbs are noted for their natural sound, while hall reverbs are used for their long decay, and plate reverbs stand out for their audibility. The hosts highlight their personal preferences in applying reverbs to instruments like vocals and DI instruments.

Delay Effects and Their Uses

Following the discussion on reverb, the conversation shifts to delay effects. The hosts clarify that delay works by duplicating a signal at varying intervals, allowing sound to fill spaces within a mix. They elaborate on different types of delay applications, emphasizing its role in thicken sounds and creating a sense of depth, particularly in conjunction with vocals and instrumentation. They share tips on using ping pong delays, highlighting their effects on audience perception in live sound situations.

Modulation Effects: Chorus, Flanger, and Phaser

In this section, the hosts touch on modulation effects that can enhance mixes. They explain that modulation involves slight time variations of duplicated signals, resulting in effects like chorus, flanging, and phasing. While less commonly employed in live sets, these effects serve specific purposes, such as adding width or creating signature sounds in performances. The hosts encourage listeners to experiment with modulation in a mix context.

Processing Sends and Returns

The hosts discuss how they route effects through sends and returns, including reverbs and delays. They cover techniques for compressing reverb returns to control dynamics and enhance clarity without muddying the mix. They further discuss EQ techniques for managing the tonal balance of sends and the importance of pre-delay settings to maintain vocal clarity. Insights into utilizing feedback and compression creatively are shared, with a focus on achieving balanced and polished mixes.

Show notes

Yet another continuation of the previous episode, in part four we deep dive into effects. We chat about the multiple reverb types, how they're different, and when we might use each of them. We also jump into some of how we may process the sends and returns. We also jump into delays and the ways that we use those in a mix. We even touch on some of the lesser used effects such as phasers, flangers, and choruses. This episode could have gone on for weeks too!--- Support this podcast:

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