Studio 101 – Audio Terminology: Reverberation

Continuing our year-long exploration of essential audio terms, this month we turn to the terminology surrounding reverberation (reverb for short). Reverberation—the sound of reflections bouncing around an enclosed space—is an essential component of recorded sound, whether it comes naturally from instruments and performers in a room or is added artificially through effects such as chambers, plates, halls and more, created mechanically, algorithmically or via convolution.

The growth of immersive recording and mixing has placed renewed emphasis on reverb as a means of enveloping the listener in a three-dimensional sound field. But whether used in a traditional stereo mix or a more immersive surround environment, a solid understanding of reverb terminology is important. These concepts help us better interpret the natural acoustics of a space and more effectively shape and control artificial reverberation within a mix.