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Chapter 10 Convolution Reverb: Space Designer 121
Sample Rate
This parameter determines the sample rate of the Impulse Response. By default the
current Logic song sample rate is used by Space Designer as well (if the Logic song is
running at 96 kHz, Space Designer uses the same rate). When loading an Impulse
Response, Space Designer automatically converts the sample rate of the IR to match
the current Logic song sample rate—should it be necessary. As an example, this allows
you to load a 44.1 kHz Impulse Response into a Logic song running at 96 kHz, and vice
versa.
Three other options are also available. These are half-divisions of the preceding value—
one-half, one-quarter, one-eighth. As examples:
• If the top sample rate is 96 kHz, the options will be 48 kHz, 24 kHz and 12 kHz.
• If 44.1 kHz is the selected sample rate, the options will be 22.05 kHz, 11.025 kHz and
5512 Hz.
Changing the Sample Rate increases (up) or reduces (down) the frequency response
(and length, see below) of the Impulse Response, and therefore the overall sound
quality of the Space Designer.
By selecting half the Sample Rate, the IR becomes twice as long. The highest frequency
that can be reverberated will be halved. This facility results in a behavior that is much
like doubling every dimension of a virtual room (multiplying a room’s volume by eight).
This can sound great!
Another benefit is that the process requires significantly less processing power, making
half Sample Rate settings the ideal solution for wide, open spaces. Check it out!
Don’t worry too much if the maximum bandwidth of the reverb tail is reduced to
11.025 kHz when you select a sample rate of 22.05 kHz (half of 44.1 kHz). Natural room
surfaces (concrete and tiles, excluded) barely reflect such high frequencies.
The lower sample rates can also be used for interesting tempo/pitch and retro-digital
sounding effects.