How To Create The Reverse Reverb Effect | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a reverse reverb effect in Cubase, an essential technique for enhancing the drama and excitement in music production. This effect is particularly useful for vocal tracks, as it adds a unique buildup before the sound hits, making your music more engaging. Follow these steps to master the reverse reverb effect in your projects.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vocal Track

1. Select Your Track: Open your Cubase project and choose the vocal track you want to apply the reverse reverb effect to.
2. Isolate the Section: Highlight the specific section of the vocal where you want the effect to occur. This could be a word, phrase, or a longer segment.

Step 2: Create a Reverb Effect

1. Insert Reverb Plugin: Go to the “Insert” section of your selected track and choose a reverb effect from the available plugins.
2. Adjust Reverb Settings: Set the following parameters to create a more pronounced effect:
   • Reverb Time: Increase this to create a longer tail.
   • Pre-Delay: Adjust to add space before the reverb kicks in.
   • Mix Level: Set this to a level that captures the essence of the vocal without overwhelming it.

Step 3: Bounce the Reverb Effect

1. Render the Track: Once you are satisfied with the reverb settings, render or bounce the vocal track with the reverb applied. This will create a new audio file that includes the reverb effect.
2. Select the Rendered Track: After bouncing, make sure to select this new audio track.

Step 4: Reverse the Audio

1. Access Audio Functions: Right-click on the newly created audio file and navigate to the “Audio” menu.
2. Select Reverse: Click on the “Reverse” option to flip the audio wave, creating the reverse reverb effect.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Effect

1. Adjust the Length: Trim the reversed audio clip to ensure it starts just before the original vocal hits.
2. Fade In: Apply a fade-in effect to the beginning of the reversed audio to make the transition smoother and more natural.

Step 6: Mix the Effect

1. Balance Levels: Adjust the volume of the reversed reverb track relative to the original vocal to ensure it complements rather than dominates the mix.
2. Apply Additional Effects: Consider adding EQ or additional effects to further blend the reverse reverb into your mix.

Conclusion

You have now successfully created a reverse reverb effect in Cubase, enhancing the drama and impact of your vocals. This technique can be applied to various elements in your music production to build tension and excitement. Experiment with different settings and placements to discover how reverse reverb can elevate your sound. Happy producing!