In this video you will learn two ways to create custom impulse responses in REAPER and how to use them in the included ReaVerb Convolution Reverb plugin.
The ReaVerb plugin (and most other convolution processors) can load any wav file to combine with an incoming source signal.
For a basic reverb we want the volume to reduce over time (simple fade out) as well as high frequencies absorbed over time (automated Low Pass/High-cut filter)
Method 1 – Noise generated reverb
* Create an empty MIDI item 2 seconds long
* Add JS Pink or White noise generator to item take fx chain
* glue item to create stereo wave file
* Fade out
* Apply EQ and automate Low pass Filter frequency
* Add other fx for movement, echoes or color.
* Adjust volume to about -18dBFS
* Render to wav file
We use a slightly different method if we want to ‘sample’ the sound of a reverb or delay plugin/pedal/hardware. A noise burst is fed into a processor and we capture the output.
Method 2 – Noise burst through a processor
* Short noise file 1-5ms
* insert plugin reverb or delay, or send to hardware effect (100% wet signal)
* set time selection to decay time
* render to wav file.
* optionally trim first 1-5ms of this file depending on result.
These files can be loaded into ReaVerb and are ready to use. ReaVerb has a normalize function, use either “Apply -18dB Gain” or “normalize to -18dBFS” options.
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Comments
6 responses to “Make Your Own Reverb – Synthetic Impulse Response Tutorial in REAPER DAW”
Excellent tut, very useful, thx Jon !
Great tutorial!
Impulsing plugins is a place only you seem to be covering Jon. I’ll admit two things, one, I’m a bit older, and two, I have something between a real fear and a phobia – about a computer crash in the middle of creativity. One thing that would solve 95% of this fear is to impulse lots of stuff. Reverbs sample great as long as there isn’t modulation going on, then it’s got that sort of foldover distortion that sounds bad.
Although my first instinct is to thank you for this, for the sake of better results everywhere I’d like to persuade you to take it to a better place even. To offer a sweep tone or impulse file or both – that is optimized for a great result instead of just vaguely saying to use any noise bite.
Probably spikes for impulsing distortion FX and sweeps for reverb? Even a standardized noise burst so we’re all on the same page. Once we’re conformed to a standard, we’ll tear off and be creative.
Thanks Joey. I’ll keep this in mind for an upcoming video, there’s definitely more to explore
Big mistake I made: I should have watched the video first. What you’re doing sounds phenomenal!
So I’ll be trying things your way before I go back to the original goal of mine.
In my situation the reason I want to impulse my plugins is to immortalize my favorite plugins (which aren’t any of the excellent impulses we can already get out there).
Your way may very well sound better anyway! I’m stunned; thank you for that Jon 🙂
The Trim Gain Stretch component of ReaVerb is just downright sick if you tweak it the way you want it.
Even making something short take an incredibly long time or vice versa?
NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building, anyone?
For being congenitally blind since birth I don’t use Reaper to produce music, but rather, to design sound.
I prefer the ReaVerb as opposed to other convolution effects for accessibility reasons and with one one deceptive plug-in a lot can really be done if you plan in advance!
BTW, sick tut!!