By default, when we need to recreate an atmosphere during mixing, we often have the reaction to add a reverb.
Moreover, there are all types: plate, room, hall… with rather evocative names. It seems logical to use them to add dimension to recordings.
On the other hand, the delay or echo is often perceived as a simple special effect, creative, and used only marginally, “for fun”.
However, the difference between reverb and delay is much smaller than it seems. Indeed, both are very useful for adding space and increasing the stereo image of a mix.
But then, when should one be used over the other? Can a delay really replace a reverb?
That’s what we are going to see… 🙂
A Brief Definition of a Delay…
A delay is simply an echo.
As if you were shouting in the mountains, and the opposite slope echoed your voice back after a few seconds.
Basically, the sound is reproduced identically, but offset in time.
Of course, many delay plugins allow you to add color to the repetitions through filters or saturation, but overall each reflection is individually perceptible. In other words, they are all distinguishable from one another.
Here is a simple example of echo on a snare drum:
…and a Reverb
In a way, a reverb consists of a multitude of echoes, which quickly become inseparable from one another.
Here, it is not just simple repetitions that are simulated, but indeed multiple reflections that bounce from wall to wall.
All of this forms a complex sound ensemble that gives the illusion that the recording takes place in a room, a hall, an arena…
Of course, there are all kinds of reverb plugins, but generally, they will all place the instrument or voice you are mixing in a virtual space, rather than simply repeating the sound.
For clarity, here is again an example of this effect:
Using a Delay Instead of a Reverb?
Unfortunately, there is no unique answer like “always use a reverb for vocals” or “you should use short delays on electric guitars”.
Indeed, the choice between delay and reverb depends notably on:
- the taste of the person mixing;
- the frequencies and instruments present in the mix;
- the style of music;
- the density of the mix.
The real question to ask is rather:
“What can be done with a delay?”
The Problem with Reverb
In absolute terms, reverb can be positioned almost anywhere, whenever you want to give dimension to your recordings and more specifically a sense of space. In particular, they are very practical for creating the illusion of realistic 3D spaces.
However, reverbs often confront us with a significant problem: they take up space in the mix.
In other words, they cover a wide frequency spectrum and are by definition denser than delay because they are built around a set of reflections.
Listen again to the audio examples from the previous paragraphs.
On the reverb example, there is a feeling of a much more complex sound than on the delay one, isn’t there?
The Contribution of Delay
The great advantage of delay is that in a dense mix, it allows you to add dimension to your recordings without making the sound confusing or muddled. And this is thanks to its simple operation.
Imagine, for example, a heavy metal track, with distorted guitars and an aggressive drum.
In this type of situation, there isn’t always room for a reverb, which will get lost in the sound of the guitars and make the mix less clear.
On the other hand, an echo might be a good alternative, as it will be more subtle.
Unsurprisingly, this effect is particularly effective on rock and rap/hip-hop vocals…
What can be done with a delay
Option 1: the Slapback Delay
This is a very short echo, usually set between 30 and 100 ms (milliseconds), and most often used on vocals.
Only one repetition should occur: so make sure that there is no feedback setting activated.
In this case, the spatial effect will be quite weak, but the slapback delay will add body to the recording and add a bit of dimension.
Let’s take a simple example with the rapped voice of Canadian artist Admiral Crumple, taken from his track Keeps Flowing (with his kind permission).
Here is the raw mix:
With reverb (a bit forced in this case), it’s nice, but we lose punch and dynamics:
On the other hand, with a slapback delay (again a bit exaggerated) it’s better, and much more suited to the style:
Option 2: A long delay
Another trick is to increase the Feedback setting to generate multiple reflections, somewhat like a reverb.
By doing this, part of the output signal is re-injected into the plugin, giving a vintage-like spatial feeling, but less dense than what you might have with a reverb.
Here is an example of creating a space resembling that of a reverb but using a delay:
Note that often, if the repetitions are synchronized with the DAW’s tempo, the effect will be more interesting as it will not interfere with the rhythm of the track.
Tip: for synth pads, use a “ping pong” delay for a wider stereo image
And to go further
For even more texture and especially to have a more colorful or at least more personalized sound, another option is available to you: chaining a delay followed by a reverb on the same track.
Admittedly, this may seem extreme, but it’s worth trying if you enjoy a bit of experimentation and want to find “your own sound.”
In conclusion
Ultimately, it is clear that delays are as powerful as reverbs for creating a sense of space in your mixes.
While they offer a sound that is quite different and less realistic, their lower sound density, both temporally and in terms of frequencies, makes them easier to mix.
And perhaps a bit more original.
So, in your next mixes, try using a delay instead of a reverb (for example one of these free plugins) – it’s really worth it 😉