At TYX Studios, we've spent over a decade crafting professional mixes and designing custom reverb and delay chains for artists across genres – from atmospheric indie rock to precision-engineered electronic dance music. Our sound engineers have worked with vintage hardware units, cutting-edge reverb plugins, and everything in between.This hands-on experience has given us unique insight into how these effects shape the emotional impact of music and create dynamic mixes that captivate listeners. Let's dive into the essential details you need to truly master these powerful tools.

Table of contents

1. What is reverb?
2. What is delay?
3. Key differences between reverb and delay
4. When to use reverb vs delay
5. Combining reverb and delay
6. Practical tips for using reverb and delay
7. Top reverb and delay plug-ins

What is reverb?

Reverb (short for reverberation) simulates the natural reflections of sound waves as they bounce off surfaces in a physical space. When you play a note in a concert hall, what you hear isn't just the original sound but countless reflections bouncing off walls, floors, and ceilings.These reflections blend together, creating a rich, continuous decay that gives the impression of sound existing within a specific environment.The way reverb works involves two primary components: early reflections and late reflections. Early reflections arrive at your ears first and provide crucial information about the size and shape of the physical space. Late reflections, which arrive subsequently, create the smooth, diffused tail that gradually fades away.Together, these components determine how we perceive the space around us – from intimate rooms to vast cathedrals.

Different types of reverb effects

Modern reverb plugins typically fall into two categories – algorithmic reverbs that mathematically simulate reflections, and convolution reverbs that use actual audio samples (impulse responses) of real spaces to create incredibly realistic natural reverb.

\Credit: Ableton, Space Exploration: Four Creative Approaches to Using ReverbRoom reverb – Simulates smaller spaces with quick reflections and shorter decay times, adding subtle depth without overwhelming the original soundHall reverb – Recreates the expansive sound of large hall spaces with longer decay times and more complex reflection patternsPlate reverb – Originally created using actual metal plates, this effect produces a bright, dense reverberation that works brilliantly on vocals and percussionSpring reverb – Commonly found in guitar amps, creates a distinctive bouncy character that's become synonymous with vintage soundsConvolution reverb – An audio snapshot of how a space or device responds to sound—to recreate that exact reverberation on any audio track. By convoluting your dry audio with the IR, you effectively “place” your sound in the sampled environment.This method delivers highly realistic reverb but can be less flexible and more CPU-intensive than algorithmic reverb plugins.

What is delay?

Delay effect works by capturing an input signal, holding it for a specified period, and then playing it back as an echo of the original sound. Unlike reverb, which creates a wash of reflections, delay produces distinct, clearly defined repetitions of the audio signal.Think of it as the musical equivalent of shouting into a canyon and hearing your voice bounce back to you – clear, articulate echoes.

Block diagram of the signal-flow for a typical delay pedal for electric guitar. Audio passes through bypass circuit and delay line to create echoes. Dotted line indicates the optional feedback component that creates repeating echoesThe functionality of delay revolves around three primary parameters. Delay time determines how long after the original sound the repetition occurs (measured in milliseconds or rhythmic values like quarter notes). Feedback controls how many repetitions occur by feeding the delayed signal back into the input.Mix level balances the proportion of dry signal (unaffected sound) and wet signal (delayed repetitions).

Different types of delay effects

Credit: Splice, Effects 101: Delays ExplainedSlapback delay – A short delay time (80-150ms) with minimal feedback, creating a doubling effect popular in rockabilly and early rockEcho – Longer delay times that produce more distinct, separate repetitions of the original soundMulti-tap delay – Creates multiple delayed repetitions at different time intervals, allowing for complex rhythmic patternsPing pong delay – Alternates the delayed signal between left and right channels, creating interesting textures across the stereo fieldEach type offers unique musical possibilities, from subtle thickening to dramatic rhythmic echoes that transform the entire character of an instrument or vocal.

Key differences between reverb and delay

Put simply, the central difference is as follows:Reverb primarily creates a sense of space and environment, placing sounds within a believable acoustic context.Delay adds rhythmic elements, creating distinct echoes that can establish or enhance patterns within a piece of music.When examining their sound characteristics, you'll notice reverb produces a smooth, continuous decay where individual reflections blend together indistinguishably. Delay generates clearly defined repetitions of the original dry signal – you can hear each distinct echo as it repeats.This difference makes reverb feel more natural and organic, while delay often creates a more pronounced, deliberate effect.Their stereo behaviour also differs significantly. Reverb tends to create a cohesive space where sounds often return toward the centre of the stereo field – reflecting how natural reverberation works in physical spaces. Delay (particularly types like ping pong) can dramatically expand the stereo field by bouncing repetitions between channels, creating a wider, more dynamic listening experience.Another key difference involves decay patterns. Reverb naturally decays exponentially – reflections lose energy gradually as they bounce around a space. Delay (when using feedback settings) can maintain consistent volume across multiple repetitions or even build in intensity, creating effects impossible to achieve naturally.Understanding these distinctions provides a solid understanding of when and how to apply each effect for maximum impact in your mixes.Copy

When to use reverb and delay

Reverb shines in situations where you need to add depth and spatial context. For vocals, a touch of plate reverb or hall reverb can add warmth and presence without pushing them too far back in the mix. Be cautious though – too much reverb can quickly make vocals sound distant or muddy.The ideal approach often involves using shorter reverb times (0.8-1.5 seconds) with careful pre-delay settings to maintain clarity.When working with instruments, reverb helps create cohesion by placing disparate elements in a shared acoustic space. This technique proves particularly effective for drum kits, where a consistent room reverb can make separately recorded pieces sound like they were played together. For guitars and synths, spring reverb adds vintage character while hall reverb creates atmospheric pads.Delay excels when you want to enhance rhythmic elements or create wider stereo images. On guitar, a quarter-note delay can establish rhythmic patterns that drive a track forward – think The Edge from U2.For vocals, short delay (80-120ms) creates subtle doubling effects that thicken without sounding obviously processed. For more dramatic results, consider using ping pong delay on synthesizers to create expansive, evolving textures that move across the stereo field.When choosing between reverb and delay, consider the specific needs of your mix. If multiple elements sound disconnected or "pasted together," reverb might provide the cohesion you need. If a part feels rhythmically static or lacks interest, delayed repetitions might inject the necessary movement and energy.

Combining reverb and delay

Reverb vs Delay is a catchy title, but the reality is these effects are very good friends. The order of them in your signal chain dramatically impacts the final sound. Placing delay before reverb (delay → reverb) means your delayed repetitions will be processed through the reverb, creating a more diffused, ambient effect where echoes blend into a washy backdrop.This approach works beautifully for ethereal effects and atmospheric soundscapes where distinct echoes would sound too pronounced.Conversely, placing reverb before delay (reverb → delay) processes your reverberated sound through the delay unit, creating echoed repetitions of the entire reverberant signal.This combination can quickly consume mix space but creates stunning ambient textures when used judiciously. It's particularly effective for creating vast, evolving pads or dramatic transitional effects between sections.For more refined control, consider using an effects loop or parallel processing. By sending your dry signal to both effects separately and then blending them back, you maintain greater clarity while still benefiting from both treatments. This can prevent the muddiness that often occurs when effects cascade directly into each other.

Creative techniques for combining these effects

• Using short delay (under 100ms) before reverb to simulate early reflections in natural spaces
• Adding subtle delay to reverb tails to extend their decay in an interesting, rhythmic manner
• Using an expression pedal to dynamically control the blend between reverb and delay in real-time

The possibilities are nearly endless, but always consider the purpose – are you creating space, rhythm, or a completely new texture altogether?

Practical tips for using reverb and delay

When configuring delay settings, sync to your track's tempo whenever possible. For rhythmic effects, quarter-note (♩), eighth-note (♪), or dotted eighth-note (♪.) delays create musical results that enhance groove rather than fight against it.For more natural doubling effects, try delays between 80-120ms that fall outside strict rhythmic values. Control feedback based on your goals – lower settings (10-20%) for subtle thickening, higher values (40%+) for pronounced rhythmic patterns.For reverb, tailor decay times to your material and tempo. Faster songs typically benefit from shorter reverb times (0.8-1.5s) that don't muddy quick passages. Ballads and slower pieces can support longer decays (2-4s) that create lush atmospheres. Always consider pre-delay settings (20-40ms) to maintain separation between the dry signal and reverb onset, preserving the clarity of important elements like vocals.

Mixing techniques to improve both effects

• Using sends rather than inserts to process multiple tracks through the same reverb, creating cohesion across the whole mix
• Applying high-pass filters (around 200-300Hz) to reverb and delay returns to prevent low-frequency buildup
• Automating effect levels throughout a song to emphasise certain sections and maintain overall mix clarity
• Using side-chain compression to duck reverb and delay when the original sound plays, maintaining punch while preserving space

Remember that both effects compete for similar frequency space – using them judiciously prevents the dreaded "wash" that can rob a mix of definition and impact.

Top reverb & delay plug-ins

Reverb

FabFilter Pro-R 2 – A reverb with customisable decay and space controls. Features a visual interface and supports custom impulse responses for recreating different acoustic environments.iZotope Neoverb – Reverb plugin that uses AI to suggest settings based on your audio. Includes a Blend Pad for mixing different reverb types (early reflections, plate, and hall).Valhalla DSP Valhalla Plate – Plate reverb plugin with multiple simulation options. Works well across different musical genres and offers various decay time settings.

Delay

Studio technical manager, Alex gives his top 3 delay plug-ins in the video below.

Wrapping up

The distinction between reverb vs delay extends far beyond simple technical differences – each effect offers unique creative possibilities that can transform ordinary sounds into extraordinary musical moments.

Reverb creates the crucial sense of space that helps listeners place sounds in a believable context, while delay adds rhythmic interest and dimension that can elevate simple parts to complex, engaging performances.The most powerful approach involves understanding when each effect serves your music best – sometimes independently, sometimes in thoughtful combination. Rather than treating them as competing options, view them as complementary tools that address different aspects of spatial and temporal processing.By mastering both, you'll dramatically expand your production palette, creating dynamic mixes that engage listeners on multiple levels.

Master audio effects at TYX

Ready to transform your sound with professional time-based effects? At TYX Studios, we provide expert guidance on using reverb and delay to create depth, space, and texture in your productions.Our complete studio complex offers top-tier equipment, Dolby Atmos studios, professional support, and industry connections through the Tileyard Group.Get in touch today to elevate your music at some of London's best studios.