Compressing a reverb send?

[Halfway Competent]

I usually use very subtle reverb when I mix (unless there's a specific effect I'm going for). I've noticed that, when the instrument is playing a bit quieter, there's not much reverb coming back, and the instrument sounds a bit too close and "dry".

I might try compressing the reverb send a bit... Any of you ever try that?

[Battlefrost]

I usually use very subtle reverb when I mix (unless there's a specific effect I'm going for). I've noticed that, when the instrument is playing a bit quieter, there's not much reverb coming back, and the instrument sounds a bit too close and "dry".

I might try compressing the reverb send a bit... Any of you ever try that?

No I have not tried that. The only processing I have done with reverb sends is EQ, usually a High Pass.

But I am not sure compressing a reverb send is the answer for your problem. During a quiet passage, I would simply just send more reverb if you are not hearing as much as you would like. Just automate how much signal you are sending to the reverb bus to an apropriate level depending on the part.

[Sandyrb]

I might try compressing the reverb send a bit... Any of you ever try that?

I have tried it although not for a while. As I recall it did help to "iron out" the apparent reverb level but it did something to the reverb which made it sound a bit strange. I messed with it a couple of times but then kinda moved on.

I've also done the opposite ie; compressed the vocal and left the effects send uncompressed. This seems to tighten the vocal up as it should but naturally you get more effect when they're belting it. This one works better for me but it's not something I'd do on every mix indeed it's at least a year since I last tried it out.

Heck, give it a try. If it works for ya, great! :)

Cheers,

[Mixwell]

Low level detail

[albert]

Putting a compressor pre-input of the reverb unit will usually sound better than actually compressing the reverb return.

Things that I normally do that work often:

Compressing pre-input reverb to make the reverb more into a "curtain".

Using sidechained compressors to control the reverb return in creative ways that can be subtle but really glue the reverb into the mix. (i.e. the mpressor with it's neat negative ratios and other features)

Rolling off some low-end on the way into the reverb. (Although I find that rolling off on the reverb return is sometimes okay as well, but I think it can hurt the realism of the space.)

[albert]

Oh, and P.S. I think that sometimes compressing the reverb return, especially if the release is much too fast will kill the good "realness" of the reverb.