Reverb block

Contents
1 Available on which products
2 Channels or X/Y switching
3 FAS-FX Reverb plugin
4 Reverb in the Axe-Fx III and FM3
5 Reverb types
6 Position of the Reverb block on the grid
7 Spillover
8 Reverb and CPU usage
9 Mono or stereo reverb
10 Room ambience in Reverb block or Cab block
11 Parameters
11.1 Parameters table
11.2 Mix
11.3 Quality
11.4 Time
11.5 Stack/Hold
11.6 Early Diffusion
11.7 Early Diff Time
11.8 Late Diffusion
11.9 Early Decay
11.10 Spread
11.11 Low Freq Time and High Freq Time
11.12 Rev Mix (Global Menu)
12 Tips and tricks
12.1 Alternative reverb effects
12.2 Gated reverb
13 More information
Available on which products
Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
FM3: 1 block
Axe-Fx II: 2 blocks
AX8: 1 block
FX8: 2 blocks
FAS-FX Reverb plugin

Channels or X/Y switching

Axe-Fx III and FM3: 4 channels
Axe-Fx II: X/Y
AX8: X/Y
FX8: X/Y

FAS-FX Reverb plugin

Fractal Audio's reverb is also available as a software plugin (AAX, AU, VST): FAS-FX Reverb plugin

Reverb in the Axe-Fx III and FM3

Reverb has been improved in firmware Ares. Also, lots of types (including various "cloud" types) haven been
added.

Reverb defaults to high-quality on the Axe-Fx III.

(Axe-Fx III) "The new reverb algorithms use more CPU than those from the Axe-Fx II would use
but they sound better. Also the reverb defaults to high-quality mode whereas the II defaults to
normal-quality mode." source (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/axe-fx-iii.1907
452/page-68#post-25886137)

Firmware Ares 12 and later:

"Improved Spring Reverb algorithm. Also added “Boiiinnng!” parameter which controls the
“springiness” of the reverb."

Firmware Ares 12 also added another Spring reverb type: the Deluxe String Reverb.

Camilo Velandia demonstrates Reverb types in the Axe-Fx III (http://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=

3&v=AFBiAF19iVg)

Reverb types
The reverbs (types) are based on several algorithms, such as:

SPRING — simulates the physical spring reverb in a guitar amp

ROOM — simulates natural realistic short reverb in a room
CHAMBER — simulates natural reverb in a boxy chamber (bright, resonant reverb)
HALL — simulates natural long reverb in a concert hall. Similar to Room but a little less smooth and
with some response peaks. Use this when you want your sound to stand out
PLATE — simulates a vibrating reverb plate with a smooth sound
STUDIO — models classic digital studio reverb units
TUNNEL — simulates natural reverb in a tunnel (long, narrow space, great for special effects)

Some of the types are modeled after famous reverb units:

London Plate — probably based on the EMT 140 plate reverb

Sun Plate — probably based on the plate reverb used on in Sun Studio
North and South Church — inspired by the Bricasti source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/north-a
nd-south-church-on-fas-verb.120766/#post-1437068)
"cloud" types: probably inspired by the Big Sky

"The reverb block in the Axe-Fx is very powerful. Turn the Early Level up and the Late Level
down and you can hear the different "spaces". There's a variety of room shapes from almost square
to long and narrow along with plates and springs. The Size parameter allows you to scale the
dimensions." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fas-uad-ocean-way-studio-plugin.12552
1/#post-1493632)

"David Griesinger probably knows more about reverb than everyone else combined. He's the father
of the Lexicon reverbs. According to him, and I have no reason to doubt him, real reverb (i.e.
reverb from a real space) is actually inferior to synthetic reverb. This is due to human perception.
 Real reverb (and by extension convolution reverb) actually reduces intelligibility and clarity due to
the particular nature of the decay, the decay being exponential. Synthetic reverb allows one to craft
the decay curve thereby rendering improved clarity. If the decay curve is flat for a period and then
exponential it doesn't clutter the desired program material. The new reverb algorithms in the Axe-
Fx are based on his theories." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/is-the-new-reverb-class
ed-as-a-convolution-reverb.92501/#post-1111995)

Many factory presets feature some kind of reverb.

Position of the Reverb block on the grid

In the studio, in DAWs and 19" rigs reverb usually is placed somewhere at the end of the chain.

"Placing reverb after the Cab is the recommended routing. The reverb is stereo. The Cab block may
be mono so you would lose the stereo field. Both blocks are linear so there is no advantage to
placing reverb before the Cab."

Put the Spring Reverb type before the Amp block for authenticity.

"Our spring reverb is great. You just need to put it before the amp block as this is equivalent to how
it would be in the amp. If you put it after the amp block it won't sound the same." source (https://w
ww.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/fender-tonemaster-dr.2078420/page-3#post-29194985
)

"The spring reverb in a fender amp is "effectively" in front because the preamp is essentially linear.
Any distortion in a Fender comes from the power amp. Since the preamp is linear putting the reverb
before the preamp is the same as putting it after preamp since linear systems are commutative, i.e. x
+ y = y + x. Also, our spring reverb algorithm has been updated recently and sounds better than
before. I used our Fender '63 Reverb unit as the reference." source (https://www.thegearpage.net/bo
ard/index.php?threads/fender-tonemaster-dr.2078420/page-4#post-29198602)

"For authentic spring reverb sound you want the reverb in front of the amp block. A big reason
spring reverbs sound the way they do is that they get colored by the amp." source (http://forum.frac
talaudio.com/threads/spring-reverbs.110084/page-2#post-1317882)

"The preamp of a Fender doesn't distort much, if at all. Therefore it can be considered linear. Linear
systems are commutative. Therefore reverb before the amp is the same as reverb between the
preamp and poweramp." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/reverb-between-pre-and-po
wer-like-in-a-fender.147574/#post-1744558)

"The reverb cannot be placed between the preamp and power amp. Doesn't matter though as putting
the reverb before the amp block is the same thing for Fender amps because the preamp doesn't
distort." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/reverb-between-pre-and-power-like-in-a-fen
der.147574/page-2#post-1744696)

About the order of Reverb and EQ:

"Reverb is linear time-invariant (LTI) which means it's commutative. IOW, you can put EQ before
or after and it will sound the same. It doesn't add harmonics or overtones, by definition. Now our
reverb algorithms aren't exactly LTI because they have modulation but they are "wide sense
 stationary" which means for all intents and purposes you can treat them as linear." source (http://for
um.fractalaudio.com/threads/to-all-the-pundits.137179/page-6#post-1713205)

"If there isn't distortion or modulation in the delay/reverb then the order is irrelevant since they are
then Linear Time Invariant (or shift invariant in digital parlance). If there is a small amount of
distortion or modulation then the order is probably still irrelevant. If there is a lot of distortion or
modulation then the order may make a difference. However, typically the biggest difference, as
noted above, is series vs. parallel since h1(t)*h2(t) is not the same as h1(t)+h2(t). If LTI h1*h2 =
h2*h1. It may seem counter-intuitive that the order doesn't matter but try it and you'll be surprised."
source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/delay-before-reverb-or-reverb-before-delay-whats-yo
ur-preference.57690/page-2#post-723087)

Read this: PRE and POST routing

Spillover
Spillover refers to the functionality to keeping the trails of the reverb audible after switching the effect off or
switching presets, scenes, channels or X/Y. Read this: Spillover

Reverb and CPU usage

Reverb uses a lot of CPU.

"Reverb uses a ton of CPU. On Axe-FX3 the reverbs have a "Hi Quality" mode that makes them
sound better at the cost of more CPU usage." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-h
ot-questions-and-hopefully-answers.149968/page-5#post-1782403)

If CPU usage on the AX8 and FX8 gets above 90%, the processor will start disabling blocks. Usually Reverb is
first, because it tends to suck up the most CPU power.

On the FM3, amp modeling and reverb do NOT run on the same processor; this was true for an early beta
version but not in the final release version.

Common methods to reduce CPU usage in the Reverb block: switch it to Normal Quality, reduce Density, or
switch to Spring Reverb (uses the least amount of CPU).

Note: when an effect such as Reverb is automatically disabled because of CPU overload, audio passes through
as if it were a shunt. If the Reverb is placed in a parallel row, this can cause a signal level issue.

Mono or stereo reverb

The Reverb's output is stereo. You can make it mono by setting Stereo Width to 0%.

The signal at the input of the Reverb block (only the part for reverberation, not the passing-through signal) is
summed to mono.
 "Stereo imaging is not effected. The L/R summation is only into the reverb engine itself. The dry
signal is unaffected." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/stereo-reverb-blocks.127191/#p
ost-1513261)

The FAS-FX Reverb plugin does not sum the input signal for reverberation to mono. It keeps and processes
both sides in stereo.

Room ambience in Reverb block or Cab block

Room ambience is a type of reverb that recreates the ambience of a room. The Cab block in most of Fractal
Audio's hardware processors provides this feature.

Firmware Ares added floor reflection modeling to room ambience.

"The intensity of the floor reflections can be adjusted with the new FLOOR REFLECTIONS
parameter. Floor reflections play a large role in “amp in the room” sound. If the amp is on a carpet
the floor reflections are minimal. If the amp is on a wood or other hard surface the floor reflections
are significant. Existing presets will initialize this value to 0% so as to not change the sound. The
default value is 50%. Note that negative values, while not realistic, are supported which inverts the
reflection. MIC SPACING sets the stereo width of early reflections by simulating mic separation in
the virtual space."

You can also use the regular Reverb block for simulating room ambience.

"The room stuff in the Cab block is a stripped-down, simplified version of the early reflections
generator in the Reverb." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/updated-%E2%80%9Croo
m%E2%80%9D-in-the-cab-block.136611/#post-1618628)

"Frankly the best way to do it is to use the Early Reflections in the Reverb block to adjust your
room level to taste. It's the same algorithm. The room stuff in the cab block is for those who add
reverb in post-processing. The Early Reflections in the Reverb block are matched to the shape and
size of the room so they are inherently better." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx
-iii-firmware-version-2-03.145132/page-5#post-1717067)

"If you just want the "room" stuff turn the reverb level down and the early reflections level up."
source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/updated-%E2%80%9Croom%E2%80%9D-in-the-ca
b-block.136611/#post-1618639)

"The trick on the Axe-Fx to get room ambience is to do the following in the Reverb block:

1. Set Predelay to 0
2. Increase Early Level and/or decrease Late Level.
3. Adjust Size and Mix to taste.

When Predelay is at zero, the Reverb block is simulating a room. Most of the Reverb presets have a
bit of predelay because that is typically done on recordings to get the reverb "out of the way".
Likewise the Early Reflections are mixed low because most engineers/producers find that they
clutter the mix. Playing solo that "in the room" thing is cool but it makes the sound difficult to
mix." source (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/whats-lacking-in-todays-model
ers.2009046/page-2#post-27810465)
 (firmware Ares 2.05) "The early reflections in both the cab and reverb block were tweaked. The cab
block now assumes a dipole radiator so the reflections off the front wall are inverted." source (http:/
/forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-2-05-public-beta.146211/page-5#post-172942
0)

Parameters
Parameters table
 Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3 Axe-Fx II AX8 / FX8

Input Select yes

Type yes

Time yes

Size yes
Pre-Delay yes

Early Level yes

Late Level yes

HF Decay Time, LF Decay Time yes

LF Crossover yes

Echo Density yes

Early Diffusion, Early Diffusion Time yes

Early Decay yes

Late Input Mix yes

Quality yes

Stack/Hold (firmware Ares 12 and later) yes

Wall Diffusion yes

Input Diffusion, Input Diffusion Time yes

Mic Spacing yes

Low Cut, High Cut yes

Freq 1/2, Q 1/2, Gain 1/2 yes

Mod: Depth, Rate yes

LFO Phase yes

Input Gain yes

Stereo Spread yes

Ducker: Threshold, Attenuation, Threshold yes

Spring: Number, Tone, Drive, Boiiinnng! yes

Mix
When using Mix to control the level of the Reverb, the volume level of the dry signal is affected: when
increasing Mix, the dry signal's level decreases. The prevent this, turn up Mix to 50%, set Level to +3dB, and
use Input Gain to set the desired amount of Reverb. Or, put Reverb in a parallel row with Mix at 100% and use
Level or Input Gain to set the desired reverb level.

Quality
There are 3 "Quality" options in the Reverb block (firmware Ares 12 and later): Normal, High and Ultra-High.
High quality uses significantly more CPU but provides world-class reverberation algorithms. Ultra-High
increases modulation at the expense of a slight increase in CPU usage. In most situations, especially live,
Normal Quality already provides the desired results. Most listeners won't notice any difference.

The Spring Reverb type doesn't have the Quality parameter.

The Axe-Fx II, FX8 and AX8 default to Normal Quality, where the Axe-Fx III defaults to High Quality. The
FM3 defaults to Normal Quality.

"Reverb uses a ton of CPU. On Axe-FX3 the reverbs have a "Hi Quality" mode that makes them
sound better at the cost of more CPU usage." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-h
ot-questions-and-hopefully-answers.149968/page-5#post-1782403)

”In the Reverb block it selects a more advanced algorithm.“ source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/
threads/high-quality-mode.157143/post-1872318)

Time
Maximum Reverb Time is 100 seconds in firmware Ares.

Stack/Hold
When Hold is activated, the wet input to the block is muted and Time is set to infinity. This can be used to
achieve pad sounds and drone notes/chords.

By attaching an external controller to Hold, an external pedal or switch can be used to control this "freeze"
feature.

Tutorial by Cooper Carter for G66 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z61WHX9V19Q)

"It requires a lot of calculations to change the Reverb time which is what Hold does (it increases it
to a couple hours or something). If CPU use is high the calculations won't finish during one block
which results in a click." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/reverb-hold-causes-click-sol
ved.92603/#post-1117218)

"When activating reverb hold the time is increased to infinity. This causes a bunch of stuff to be
recalculated which can cause a click. I'll have to look into it." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com
/threads/3-01-reverb-hold-crackling.147319/#post-1741239)

Firmware Ares 12 added the "Stack" feature:

"Added Stack/Hold parameter to Plex Delay and Plex Verb types in the Plex block. When set to
STACK incoming audio is stacked on existing audio and held. When set to HOLD existing audio is
held."

When attaching a pedal to Off/Stack/Hold, Heel is Off, Stack is middle and Toe is Hold.

Early Diffusion
This sets the amount of diffusion in the early reflections. Higher values result in fuzzier and less distinct echoes.
Lower values result in sharp, distinct reflections.

Early Diff Time

This scales the delay time of the early reflections diffusers. Adjust this control to suit the size and character of
the simulated environment.

Late Diffusion
This parameter has been renamed Input Diffusion in firmware Ares.

Early Decay
This controls the decay rate of the early reflections. Higher values yield faster decay.

The reverb tail is automatically set to the appropriate delay. In High Quality mode an additional parameter is
available: Late Input Mix. This parameter controls the mix between the (possibly diffused) input and the early
reflections data input to the late reverb algorithm. Thus this parameter mixes the output of the diffuser and the
early reflections prior to inputting that data to the late reverb generator. With the Late Input Mix at 0% the High
Quality mode is identical to the Normal Quality mode. Values greater than 0% mix early reflections data into
the late reverb using a proprietary decorrelation technique which eliminates any metallic qualities associated
with the typical diffuser techniques used in other products.

Spread
Values beyond +/-100% increase the apparent image beyond the stereo field.

Low Freq Time and High Freq Time

"These set the decay time relative to the midband time for the low frequencies and high
frequencies. If you set the Time to, say, 10 seconds and High Freq Time to 0.1 the high frequencies
will decay to -60 dB in 1 second." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmwar
e-version-3-00.147127/page-3#post-1738501)

"The reverb tail is divided into three bands. The low-frequency band is defined by LF Xover and
LF Time. LF Xover sets the crossover frequency between the low and mid bands. LF Time controls
the decay time of the low band relative to the mid band. So if LF Time is 2.0 the low-frequency
decay time will be twice as long as the mid-band time. You may be able to use this to reduce low-
frequency buildup. High-frequency decay time works a bit differently. There is a single HF Time
parameter. It controls the high-frequency absorption of the virtual room. The lower the value the
faster the high frequencies decay relative to mid-band. A value of 1.0 means no high-frequency
absorption. The EQ page then controls equalization of the resulting tail. You can further shape the
sound of the reverb using this, if desired. Real rooms tend to have a slightly longer low-frequency
decay and a shorter high-frequency decay. However if you're using LOTS of simulated reverb
within a real reverberant environment then you can get low-frequency buildup. The tips above
 should help you adjust to the environment." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/low-end-
issues-with-verb-is-low-cut-in-the-verb-block-my-answer.105447/#post-1261649)

Rev Mix (Global Menu)

The Rev Mix parameter in the Global menu lets you increase or decrease the Reverb Mix level across all presets
at once. This lets you set the amount of reverb based on the environment.

"Global Reverb and Effects Mix are relative. If set to 0% the mix is set by the preset. If set to, say,
-10% the mix would be 10% less than the preset mix.” source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/thread
s/global-reverb-on-all-presets.94812/#post-1135617)

Note that Rev Mix may not work well with Reverb blocks in parallel rows which have Mix at 100%.

Effects Mix is another Global parameter that boosts or cuts the Mix value of all blocks for which the GLOBAL
MIX parameter is set to “ON”.

Tips and tricks

Alternative reverb effects
Turn up Diffusion in the Delay block to smear the delays trails and turn it into reverb.

Select Plex Verb in the Plex Delay block for ambient reverb.

Gated reverb
Try the factory preset "Gated Reverb".

More information on the user forum:

Matt’s gated reverb (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/nonlinear-reverb-and-mantic-proverb.122184)

Leon Todd’s tutorial (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/gated-reverb-tutorial.151928)

More information
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverb)
Forum discussion (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/reverb-tweak-tip-best-of-both-worlds-o.23172)
providing great info for tweaking the Pre-delay parameter and creating ambience, sitting in a mix
Scott Peterson's tutorial (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/tutorial-dialing-up-my-reverb-with-the-fr
actal-audio-axe-fx-ii.75614/)
About acoustics and reverberation (http://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/10-important-facts-a
bout-acoustics-for-microphone)
Leon: Todd's Reverb Tips (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/reverb-tips-tricks-and-favourites.145592
)
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This page was last edited on 9 March 2020, at 13:31.