7

Table Of Contents
124 Chapter 10 Convolution Reverb: Space Designer
Rev Vol Compensation
Rev Vol Compensation (Reverb Volume Compensation) attempts to match the
perceived (not actual) volume differences of Impulse Response files. It is set to on by
default, and should generally be left in this mode, although you may find that it isn’t
successful with all types of Impulse Responses. In such situations, switch it off and
adjust the Input and Output levels accordingly.
Pre-Delay
Pre-delay is the amount of time that elapses between the original signal, and the arrival
of the early reflections. Put another way, it represents the time the effected signal is
delayed in relation to the unprocessed direct signal.
In any given room size and shape, pre-delay determines the distance between the
listener and the walls, ceiling, and floor. When used with artificially generated reverb, it
has proven advantageous to allow this parameter to be manipulated separately from,
and over a greater range than what is considered natural for pre-delay. In practice, too
short a Pre-Delay tends to make it difficult to pinpoint the position of the signal. It can
also color the sound of the original signal.
On the other hand, too long a Pre-Delay can be perceived as an unnatural echo. It can
also divorce the original signal from its early reflections, leaving an audible gap
between the signals. The ideal Pre-Delay setting depends on the properties or, more
accurately, the envelope of the original signal. Percussive signals generally require
shorter Pre-Delays than signals where the attack fades in gradually. A good rule of
thumb is to use the longest Pre-Delay possible before undesirable side effects, such as
an audible echo, begin materializing. More information on the general principles of
reverberation can be found in “So, Just What Is Reverberation?” on page 139.
IR Start
This parameter enables you to shift the playback point into the IR, which will effectively
cut off the beginning of the IR.