Algorithmic vs Convolution Reverb: Mixing With Each (Tips & Advice)

As for a short answer to the question of “How and When To Use Algorithmic and Convolution Reverb In Mixing,” the convolution reverb is excellent for those who are looking to accurately simulate a natural reverberating environment while algorithmic reverbs are great for more digital purposes.

Of course, several other variables come into play, each of which is important to note when finding the right reverb for your track.

How & When To Use Algorithmic Reverb In Mixing

There are several reasons why you might want to use algorithmic reverb in a mix, including:

• Greater versatility than convolution reverbs
• Less need for serious processing power
• Perfect for almost any song or genre of music

The majority of digital reverbs that you will find out there are algorithmic. They utilize far less processing power than their convolution cousins because they use mathematical algorithms to simulate reverb decays. This makes them an excellent choice for computers without tons of processing power or sessions with many instances of reverb.

Some of our favorite algorithmic reverbs include Lexicon PCM Reverb, Valhalla Vintage Verb, and FabFilter Pro-R.

Even though algorithmic reverbs utilize less processing power, many of them are more than capable of producing incredibly realistic reverb sounds. If we look at the Lexicon PCM, for example, the plug-in provides a wide range of reverb that vary from shorter rooms and ambience patches to longer halls, chambers, and plates, making them useful in just about any musical situation.

Because algorithmic reverbs are more CPU-friendly, we recommend choosing these if you want to add insert reverbs as effects on your various tracks. 

Fun Fact – One of the first commercially available algorithmic digital reverbs was the EMT 250 Electronic Reverberator, which came out back in 1976 and is still renowned as one of the best digital reverbs ever existed.

How & When To Use Convolution Reverb in Mixing

Convolution reverbs, once fairly rare, are becoming more popular in the digital world, as they:

• Create hyper-realistic reverb signatures of particular spaces or objects
• Work perfectly for simulating natural environments

Convolution reverbs use Impulse Responses (IR) to create reverbs. Impulse responses measure or represent the change of a signal as it moves through a particular system. In this case, that system is a natural, acoustic environment. 

Convolution reverbs can be used to enhance an entire mix or bring out specific instruments within a mix. Similar to algorithmic reverbs, you can adjust a wide variety of parameters on convolution reverbs, including the decay time, wet and dry mix, and more. 

It is important to note that convolution reverbs utilize impulse responses of all kinds. Beyond natural spaces, a convolution reverb could have impulse responses of spring reverb units, plates, amplifiers, and more. The creative possibilities are endless.

Though they can be used for just about anything, convolution reverbs are often applied as natural space creators. You can throw a real room IR on a drum bus to bring it to life or a studio space IR to give an acoustic guitar a bit of space. You can even put a convolution reverb on the final output of your mix to bring all of your instruments in the same space for a more “live feel.”

The beauty of convolution reverbs is that they sound incredibly natural. Some of the well-known Convolution Reverb plugins are Audio Ease Altiverb, LiquidSonics Reverberate 3, and Waves IR-1.

Fun Fact – One of the first real-time convolution processors was introduced in 1999 by Sony and branded as the DRE-S777.

Pros & Cons of Algorithmic Reverb

The main advantages of algorithmic reverbs are that they are easy to use and do not require any samples, making them much easier on your processing power. Plus, they can be used in almost any situation because they are so versatile.

Almost every DAW out there comes with an algorithmic reverb plugin. You will use these more than convolution reverbs since you can place them on multiple tracks without worrying about your session crashing.

The main disadvantage of algorithmic reverbs is that they can sound cheap or fake, which can be difficult for beginners to master.

Because algorithmic reverbs are based on mathematical parameters, meaning they don’t have the quality of randomness that you get with natural space, they will inevitably sound less realistic. Plus, they utilize tons of different parameters, such as early reflections, late reflections, decay time, feedback, shape, size, pre-delay, and more. 

With that said, there are times when having an unrealistic reverb makes sense. Think about pop music. Producers and engineers constantly push the boundaries of sound and space to create new and unusual sounds that excite listeners. Adding some magic with an unrealistic reverb can create a bit of extra interest for the listener.

Pros & Cons of Convolution Reverb

The main advantage of convolution reverbs over algorithmic reverbs is that they are far superior when recreating an acoustic environment’s physical properties. Thus, a signal played through one of these convolution reverbs will sound as if it were played in a particular environment.

The main disadvantages of convolution reverbs are that they are CPU-Heavy and quite expensive.

Convolution reverbs are quite complex from a computational standpoint. They don’t fair well when used multiple times in one session. Plus, for a top-of-the-line convolution reverb plug-n, such as Altiverb, you’ll end up spending a pretty penny.

Combining Convolution and Algorithmic Reverb

When mixing, we often combine convolution and algorithmic reverbs, as they each serve a unique purpose. Think of it like this:

• Convolution Reverb: Gluing together sounds in a mix
• Algorithmic Reverb: Creating excitement with individual sounds

Let’s say we have a simple mix with four instruments, including drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. If we want to take a more natural approach to the mix, we will add a convolution reverb to sonically “place” instruments within a realistic room. This gives off the impression that all of the instruments have been recorded in the same space together.

You can think of the impulse response as the “fingerprint” for the mix. You can choose all of your algorithmic reverbs based on your convolution reverb choice. Let’s say that you want a stadium-style rock song. You may choose to use a large hall or stage convolution reverb and bring all of your instruments into it. On the other hand, you may want to create a more intimate mix. In that case, you could try a smaller room or studio convolution reverb.

Once you have your convolution reverb set up, you can use your algorithmic reverb to create a bit more interest. Maybe throw your snare into a plate reverb to give it a sense of space and depth that is different from the rest of the drum kit. Maybe send your vocals into a separate vocal reverb to help them stand out from the rest of the instruments. 

Can I use reverb on mastering?

Using reverb on the mastering chain is a technique that is debated heavily to this day. In our opinion, you can definitely use reverb on your mastering chain, though you must do it with caution.

The only instance where we believe adding reverb on the mastering chain would be suitable is if you were trying to give the impression of a recording living in a single space. If you have an intimate jazz recording, for example, you might want to add a convolution “nightclub” reverb on the mastering bus, turn the mix knob way down, and create the impression that your instrumentalists are playing in one room.

Mastering reverb is sometimes used in classical recordings as well. For example, you might want to add a slight bit of convolution “concert hall” reverb to a classical to add a bit more breath to your overall recording.

If your reverb provides you with the option to do so, we recommend putting a hi-pass and low-pass on your mastering reverb if you decide to use it.

Having too many low frequencies in your reverb can muddy up your mix, and having too many high frequencies in your reverb can give your mix a “spitty” quality. Mid frequencies excel in reverb.

Of course, it all comes down to experimentation. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to using reverb in any facet. Try it out. If it doesn’t work, move on. Let your ears guide you!

Related Readings:

The 10 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins 

The 6 Best Spring Reverb VST Plugins 

The 10 Best FREE Delay Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)

The 9 Best Delay Plugins For Music Producers (VST, AU, AAX)

Monji Omer

Started as a rapper and songwriter back in 2015 then quickly and gradually developed his skills to become a beatmaker, music producer, sound designer and an audio engineer.