Cubase Tutorial: Gated Reverb for 80's Phil Collins Snares

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a gated reverb effect to achieve the iconic snare sound reminiscent of Phil Collins' music, using only stock plugins in Cubase. This technique can enhance your drum mixes and add a unique character to your tracks.

Step 1: Set Up Your Snare Track

• Select a Snare Sample: Start by choosing a snare sample that you want to process. A sharp, punchy snare works best for this effect.
• Create an Audio Track: Open Cubase and create a new audio track for your snare.
• Load Your Snare Sample: Import the chosen snare sample onto the audio track.

Step 2: Add Reverb

• Insert Reverb Plugin: Go to the mixer and insert a reverb plugin (such as the built-in Cubase RoomWorks).
• Adjust Reverb Settings:
  • Set the Pre-Delay to around 20-30 ms to create space before the reverb begins.
  • Increase the Decay Time to a longer setting, around 2-3 seconds, to give it a lush tail.
  • Adjust the Mix Level to a moderate level (30-50%) to ensure the reverb is prominent but not overwhelming.

Step 3: Apply Gating

• Insert a Gate Plugin: In the same mixer channel, insert a gate plugin after the reverb.
• Configure Gate Settings:
  • Set the Threshold to a level that only allows the loudest parts of the snare to trigger the reverb. Start with a conservative threshold and adjust as needed.
  • Fine-tune the Attack and Release settings. A quick attack (1-5 ms) will ensure the snare hits are captured, while a medium release (100-250 ms) will determine how quickly the reverb tail fades after the snare hit.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Sound

• Listen and Adjust: Play your track and listen carefully. Adjust the reverb and gate settings until you achieve a sound that closely resembles the gated reverb effect popularized in the 80s.
• Experiment with Automation: Consider automating the reverb level or gate settings for different sections of your song to add dynamics and interest.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively create a gated reverb effect on your snare track, emulating the classic sound of Phil Collins. Experiment with different snare samples and settings to find the sound that best fits your music. Don't hesitate to explore further by applying similar techniques to other elements in your mix!