Getting the most out of Pro Tools’s convolution reverb
What unique features does Pro Tools’s convolution reverb offer to enhance music production?
Pro Tools, the industry-standard software for professional audio production, is famous for its feature-packed editing and mixing capacities. Among its many powerful features is the convolution reverb, a tool used to modify the reverberation characteristics of audio tracks. Understanding the use of this tool can greatly improve your recordings’ overall quality, taking your production to the next level.
Understanding Convolution Reverb
In a nutshell, a convolution reverb is a process used to digitally simulate the reverberation of a physical or virtual space. It works by convolving the input audio signal with an impulse response. These impulse responses are sampled from real rooms, spaces, or objects, resulting in incredibly realistic reverbs.
Accessing Convolution Reverb in Pro Tools
To start using convolution reverb in Pro Tools, follow these steps:
- Open your mix in Pro Tools
- Select the track you want to apply the reverb to
- Go to the ‘Track’ menu and choose ‘New’
- Create a stereo Aux Input track, and then select the insert A-E slot
- Choose ‘plug-in’, then ‘reverb’, and finally, ‘convolution reverb’
Tweaking the Sound
After setting up the convolution reverb, you can begin modifying the overall output sound. The following tactics can enhance your results:
- Pre-delay: This places a small delay between the unprocessed sound and the onset of reverb. It can help to prevent your mix from turning into a muddy sound.
- Wet/Dry Mix: Balancing between the original (dry) and the reverberated (wet) sound allows you to adjust the amount of reverb on your track. A good starting point can be keeping the wet mix at around 20%.
- Choosing the Right Impulse Response: The choice of impulse response is crucial as different responses will give varied ‘reverberation personalities.’ Pro Tools comes with a library of impulse responses, so try several to see which one fits best with your track.
Using Send and Return
For a more efficient use of processing power, especially while working with multiple tracks, it’s recommended to set up a common ‘reverb return.’ Here, you create a separate auxiliary track with your convolution reverb and ‘send’ parts of your other tracks to this.
In summary, convolution reverb in Pro Tools is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can bring a new level of depth and realism to your tracks. It’s all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to tweak the parameters and try different impulse responses to find our unique sound.