In Summary

Engineers are used to getting the space they need inside their reverb by juggling a few familiar controls. Here we check out the space-morphing chops of one reverb that dares to do it all with one knob.

Going Deeper

Following on from the trailblazing reverberators that took hold in the 1980s, modern audio plugin reverb borrows from many of their controls. Whether algorithmic atmospheres, or convolved realism, most have a selection of models on the menu that determine the kind of space being generated. Once the room itself has been determined, most engineers will then reach for its Decay rate to fine tune the space’s duration.

Yes, there’s plenty more on offer including control of early reflections, pre delay, and other more advanced options such as frequency-based multipliers. That said, simply calling up a type or model, before tweaking its length to fit the music can often get the sound surprisingly quickly. This is especially true in denser arrangements where tails have fewer opportunities to break cover!

One Unified Control? FabFilter Pro-R 2 Space Control

Taking on arguably the two most significant reverb parameters is the Space control in FabFilter’s Pro-R 2. In one continuous move, engineers can morph between room model and decay time using one dial. This intuitive approach gets straight to the point, where in real life the dimensions of real rooms often dictate their decay time.

In the video we show how the Space control can provide a shortcut to a range of ambiences in a single move. We use it to take the snare slightly back in the mix using some short ambience, and also show how the Decay Rate control can be used to counter the Space control’s default decay. As well as adding some air to a guitar combo, we also frame our vocal with some nice expansive tails.

The Fab’s way of doing things doesn’t usually follow the herd, and its one unified dial for Space will definitely make the single biggest difference to your reverb in one move. That makes it a great way to get the ambience the mix needs very quickly indeed.

This reverb is all about immediacy; and engineers who prize speedy use and persuasive atmospheres will find much to like with the Space control. With no unpleasant clicks or zipper noise when making continuous changes, and touches like the decay multiplier mean that it’s well implemented too.

If you like the idea of a reverb that gets you into the right space in a way that’s as smooth as floating between rooms on a magic carpet, Pro-R 2’s Space control might be all you ever need…