Reverb and delay in series, which comes first?

When you’re talking about sound production and processing you often hear about reverb and delay in series. But which comes first when you are using these two effects in line?

That really depends on the sound you’re trying to create. To put it simply, when it comes to reverb and delay in series it is a matter of personal preference and how your sound is intended to stand out in the mix.

The first thing to consider is the purpose of your desired effect. When you want the reverb to give the sense of a larger space and create a pleasing atmosphere, you will want to place it after the delay in your signal chain. Now, when you want your delay to create a larger soundscape, you will want to place the reverb before the delay to ensure that your signal maintains its sonic presence in the mix.

The next factor to consider is the specific type of reverb and delay you are using. Generally, most reverbs distort if you place them after the delay in your signal chain. This means that if you are using a more modern type of reverb with added distortion, you will want to place it before the delay. This will enhance the effect that your signal has on neighboring frequencies.

Finally, when using reverb and delay in series, it is important to understand the decay time of each of these effects. Reverb typically represents a longer decay time than delay does. Therefore, if you are using reverb and delay together, you may want to place the delay first in order to ensure that its effect is present when the reverb is still decaying.

In conclusion, when it comes to pairing reverb and delay in series, there is no right or wrong answer. It is a matter of personal preference and the desired effect. When considering what order to use, you should consider your type of reverb and delay, the purpose of the desired effect, and the decay time of each of the effects. Also, it is important to bear in mind that mixing and mastering techniques vary from one production to the next, so it is always a good idea to experiment to find the best results for your unique sound.