Fx Descriptions; Reverbs - SoundCraft Vi1 User Manual

FX DESCRIPTIONS

The Vi Series Lexicon FX are divided into three categories: REVERBS, DELAYS and
MISC.

REVERBS

Reverberation (or "reverb" for short) is the complex effect created by the way we perceive sound in an
enclosed space. When sound waves encounter an object or boundary, they don't just stop. Some of the
sound is absorbed by the object, but most of the sound is reflected or is diffused. In an enclosed space,
reverb is dependent on many features of that space, including the size, shape and the type of materials
that line the walls. Even with closed eyes, a listener can easily tell the difference between a cupboard, a
locker room and a large auditorium. Reverb is a natural component of the acoustic experience, and most
people feel that something is missing without it.
Hall Reverbs - Stereo
SMALL HALL, LARGE HALL, DRUM HALL, VOCAL HALL.
A Hall reverb is designed to emulate the acoustics of a concert hall – a space large enough to contain an
orchestra and an audience. Because of the size and characteristics,Halls are the most natural-sounding
reverbs, designed to remain "behind" the direct sound – adding ambience and space, but leaving the
source unchanged. This effect has a relatively low initial echo density which builds up gradually over time.
Vocal Hall and Drum Hall reverbs are specifically tailored for those uses. Vocal Hall has as lower overall
diffusion which works well with program material that has softer initial transients like a voice. Drum Hall
has a higher diffusion setting which is necessary to smooth out faster transient signals found in drums
and percussion instruments.
In addition to general instrumental and vocal applications, the Hall program is a good choice for giving
separate tracks in a mix the sense of belonging to the same performance.
Plate Reverbs - Stereo
SMALL PLATE, LARGE PLATE, DRUM PLATE, VOCAL PLATE.
A Plate reverb is a large, thin sheet of metal suspended upright under tension on springs. Transducers
attached to the plate transmit a signal that makes the plate vibrate, causing sounds to appear to be
occurring in a large, open space. The Plates in the Vi Series FX units model the sound of metal plates with
high initial diffusion and a relatively bright, colored sound. Plate reverbs are designed to be heard as part
of the music, mellowing and thickening the initial sound. Plate reverbs are often used to enhance popular
music, particularly percussion.
Chamber Reverb - Stereo
Historically, recording studio chambers were oddly shaped rooms with a loudspeaker and set of
microphones to collect ambience in various parts of the room. Chamber programs produce even, relatively
dimensionless reverberation with little color change as sound decays. The initial diffusion is similar to the
Hall programs. However, the sense of size and space is much less obvious. This characteristic, coupled
with the low color of the decay tail, makes these programs useful on a wide range of material - especially
the spoken voice, to which Chamber programs add a noticeable increase in loudness with low colour.
Room Reverb - Stereo
Room produces an excellent simulation of a very small room which is useful for dialogue and speech
applications. Room is also practical when used judiciously for fattening up high energy signals like electric
guitar amp recordings.
Soundcraft Vi1™ User Guide Issue 0810 Page 20 - 11