User Guide

Chapter 12 Convolution Reverb: Space Designer 179
Surround Configuration
In surround configurations, Space Designer offers four output sliders that together
comprise a small surround output mixer.
These sliders have the following functions:
 C(enter): Adjusts the center reverb level
 Bal(ance): Sets the balance between the L–C–R front and the Ls–Rs rear speakers. In
7.1 ITU surround, the balance pivots around the Lm–Rm speakers, taking the
surround angles into account. With 7.1 SDDS surround, the Lc–Rc speakers are
considered front speakers.
 Rev(erb): Adjusts the output level of the effected (wet) signal.
 Dry: Sets the level of the non-effected signal. Set this to a value of 0 (mute) when
using Space Designer on an aux channel.
Pre-Dly (Predelay)
Predelay is the amount of time that elapses between the original signal, and the initial
early reflections from the reverb generated by Space Designer.
For a room of any given size and shape, predelay determines the distance between the
listener and the walls, ceiling, and floor. Of course, Space Designer allows you to adjust
this parameter separately from, and over a greater range than what is considered
natural for predelay. In practice, too short a predelay 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 predelay 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 predelay setting to create a realistic space depends on
the properties of, or more accurately the envelope of, the original signal. Percussive
signals generally require shorter predelays than signals where the attack fades in
gradually. A good rule of thumb is to use the longest predelay possible before
undesirable side effects, such as an audible echo, begin materializing.
Obviously, these guidelines are designed to help you design realistic sounding spaces.
If you want to create unnatural soundscapes using Space Designer, experiment with
the Pre-Dly parameter to create otherworldly reverbs and echoes.