THE 3 STAGES OF SOUND
DIRECT SOUND
The Direct Sound (DS) is the
sound wave that travels in a
straight line to your ears.
Since the DS doesn’t bounce
off any surfaces, it’s “dry”... its
tone hasn’t been affected by
the room.
In a mix, the DS is the sound
of your instrument before
the reverb.
VOLUME
TIME
EARLY REFLECTIONS LATE REFLECTIONS
The Early Reflections (ERs) are the
sound waves that bounce off one
surface and into your ears.
Your ears use the ERs to tell the size
of the room.
You also use them to tell the
distance and direction of the sound.
In a mix, use the ERs to give your
instruments a sense of space and
push them towards the background.
VOLUME
VOLUME
TIME
The Late Reflections (LRs) are the
sound waves that bounce dozens
of times before reaching your ears.
This creates the “wash” of sound
that we imagine when we think
of reverb.
Your ears use the LRs to tell the
shape, material, and complexity
of the room.
In a mix, use the LRs to get the
“room tone” you’re after.
TIME