Simple Explanation

The reflection of sound within a room or space, which creates a sense of space or ambiance. Reverb can also be created using digital signal processing (DSP) in electronic devices.

Concise Technical Definition

Short for reverberation, reverb refers to the reflections of sound within a room, caused by the acoustical properties of the space. It can also be artificially generated through DSP in devices like preprocessors or AV receivers. Reverb is often measured using RT60 (reverb time), which is the time it takes for the sound to decay by 60 dB from the original level. Reverb is typically used to simulate the natural reverberation found in large, hard-surfaced rooms.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Imagine speaking in a large empty hall—your voice bounces off the walls, creating echoes. Reverb is like the collection of those echoes, adding richness and depth to the sound.

Industry Usage Summary

Reverb is widely used in music production, sound design, and film/audio post-production to create a sense of space and realism. It is commonly added to audio recordings to simulate environments ranging from small rooms to large concert halls. Reverb can be applied using digital devices with DSP algorithms or through analog methods, such as plate reverb or spring reverb. RT60 is used as a standard measure for reverb time in both natural environments and electronic devices. Reverb is an essential tool for shaping the acoustic feel of audio in music, movies, and video games.

Engineering Shortcut

The natural or simulated reflection of sound that creates ambiance or space within an audio environment.

Full Technical Explanation

Reverb (short for reverberation) is the phenomenon of sound reflecting within a space, particularly in large, hard-surfaced rooms where sound waves bounce off walls, ceilings, and floors. These reflections combine with the original sound, creating a continuous blend of echoes that contribute to the perception of space. In audio systems, reverb is often artificially created using digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, simulating the effect of reverberation in various environments. The strength and duration of reverb are typically measured using RT60 (reverb time), which indicates how long it takes for the reverberated sound to decay by 60 dB. Originally, reverb was generated with physical devices such as chambers, plates, or springs, but today it is most commonly achieved through DSP in devices like pre-processors, AV receivers, or specialized reverb units. Reverb is widely used in music production, sound design, and acoustics to enhance recordings or live sound by simulating the natural reflections found in different acoustic spaces.