9

GoldVerb Reverb Parameters
The GoldVerb offers the following Reverb parameters:
• Initial Delay slider and field: Sets the time between the original signal and the diffuse
reverb tail. If you’re going for a natural-sounding, harmonic reverb, the transition
between the early reflections and the reverb tail should be as smooth and seamless as
possible. Set the Initial Delay parameter so that it is as long as possible, without a
noticeable gap between the early reflections and the reverb tail.
• Spread slider and field: Controls the stereo image of the reverb. At 0%, the effect
generates a monaural reverb. At 200%, the stereo base is artificially expanded.
• High Cut knob and field: Frequencies above the set value are filtered from the reverb
signal. Uneven or absorbent surfaces—wallpaper, wood paneling, carpets, and so
on–tend to reflect lower frequencies better than higher frequencies. The High Cut filter
mimics this effect. If you set the High Cut filter so that it is wide open (maximum value),
the reverb will sound as if it is reflecting off stone or glass.
• Density knob and field: Controls the density of the diffuse reverb tail. Ordinarily you
want the signal to be as dense as possible. In rare instances, however, a high Density
value can color the sound, which you can fix by reducing the Density knob value.
Conversely, if you select a Density value that is too low, the reverb tail will sound grainy.
• Reverb Time knob and field: Time it takes for the reverb level to drop by 60 dB—often
indicated as RT60. Most natural rooms have a reverb time somewhere in the range of
1 to 3 seconds. This time is reduced by absorbent surfaces, such as carpet and curtains,
and soft or dense furnishings, such as sofas, armchairs, cupboards, and tables. Large
empty halls or churches have reverb times of up to 8 seconds, with some cavernous
or cathedral-like venues extending beyond that.
• Diffusion slider and field (Extended Parameters area): Sets the diffusion of the reverb tail.
High Diffusion values represent a regular density, with few alterations in level, times,
and panorama position over the course of the diffuse reverb signal. Low Diffusion
values result in the reflection density becoming irregular and grainy. This also affects
the stereo spectrum. As with Density, find the best balance for the signal.
174 Chapter 11 Reverb Effects