Sonnox Oxford Reverb - Manual (Page 12)

5.2 ReverbTailSetup 5 REALISTIC ROOM SIMULATION
static. It keeps your attention on the reverberation because it changes subtly over time –
much as in real spaces where natural movement of the air or objects within the space
continually modify its characteristics.
To give the space a realistic high frequency profile over time, ABSORPTION should be
applied in the same manner as in the ‘early reflection’ settings. In general, larger spaces
require greater absorption, however some larger spaces can reflect considerable HF from
the their back extremities. It is important to bear in mind that allowing a large HF content
in the Reverb Tail may accentuate unnaturally strident or harsh sounds, particularly if there
are sustained HF components in the programme or there is prominent resonance in the
Early Reflection stages.
The overall spread of the reverb can be adjusted using the DIVERSITY fader. Reducing
this control adds statistical weighting to the centre image, which is often needed to
anchor the sound field to centre stage. It is important to consider the intended speaker
layout while setting this control, since a large degree of left to right mixing occurs
acoustically in the listening environment. It is particularly important to remember that
what appears a natural setting for this control will vary considerably between headphone
and speaker listening methods!
5.2.3 BlendingEarlyReflectionsandReverbTail
Blending the early and late portions of the reverb is basically a matter of taste and
suitability to the programme and mix.
Adjust the REVERB MIX control to fine-tune the contribution from both the sections.
Generally speaking, the application of more late Reverb Tail energy will result in a softer
and more diffuse reverberation at the expense of spatial realism.
Now your effort is to decide what proportion of the Early Reflection mix will be included in
the Reverb Tail input. This is particularly crucial since the whole long-term character of
the reverb is affected. Advancing the TAIL INPUT fader away from DLY INP towards the
ER MIX position will progressively allow more signal drive from the Early Reflection mix
stages into the tail section. Generally, there is normally a need for some Early Reflection
signal in the Reverb Tail, however this is not a ‘rule’ and the amounts required are most
often quite small. Too much early reflection drive to the tail may cause unwanted ringing
or boominess from the Early Reflection section to become intrusive in the longer term.
Too little drive may make the tail lack character. It is all a question of settings, programme
source parameters and artistic taste. Experimentation is everything!
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