So it's basically operating similar to how a lookhead compressor would? That seems to make sense when I try and play it out in my head...

An alternative solution (if you don't have a lookahead compressor) would be to side change the signal to a version which is nudged 10ms or so before the original, thus creating your own lookahead compressor.

I'd probably prefer trying something like this first before dealing with the whole reversing thing as I can hear the end result in real time. Lots less trail and error involved..

There are many ways to skin an audio clip.

I am a bit more interested in how EQing might work in terms of using backwards audio. As mentioned in my post #14 you have more time to hear the real resonance of a sound more and you are not being distracted by the attack transient. So if you are having a problem EQing a track try reversing it temporarily and see if it is any easier. Then put it back to normal and see how you went. You might be surprised.

I think the thing with the reverse compression is that using a compressor the normal way around is going to suffice obviously but it might be worth trying different things to see how they go compressing in reverse. Imagine a hit with a nice transient followed by a decay segment down to zero. Think of how a compressor would handle that normally. Then think reverse now. Slow tail first leading up to loud sound that drops away fast. How is the compressor going to handle that. The overall result is meant to be a smooth very even form of compression (peanut butter) rather than trying to achieve a percussive punch effect. (eg boxing glove)

Stav uses this analogy. Normal way around is like pressing your foot into the sand real fast but withdrawing it slowly after that. Reverse is a bit like pressing your foot into the sand slowly but pulling it out fast. The second method will make a better foot print.

EQing a track while listening in reverse, now that just might be an interesting experiment!

I've known that listening to anything in reverse gives you a whole new perspective ever since 1965 when I first flipped over a tape and heard "House of the Rising Sun" backward. And promptly proceeded to steal the "new" melody and chord progression!

I usually reverse compressed audio...uh...I'd rather have this bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

I say start in the middle and work toward both ends at the same time... Especially when bookended by two lovlies...

I dont listen to my music backwards, for fear of finding hidden messages...

Speaking of..did Stairway to Heaven really say anything when played backwards?

Speaking of..did Stairway to Heaven really say anything when played backwards?

Only if someone has already told you what to hear. Sad Satan.

LpMike75

    Speaking of..did Stairway to Heaven really say anything when played backwards?

I hear Black Dog (craigb will get what I mean).

Not the same thing, but I once was asked to reverse a small section of my vox track, Learn to sing it Backwards, re-record it backwards, and then reverse the new vox AGAIN so that it approximated the original, forward vox.  Was crazy cool and somewhat spooky.  Especially in light of the fact that the vocal passage said "backward, forward".  It wasn't easy.  

jsaras


I usually reverse compressed audio...uh...I'd rather have this bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

You missed a key word on an old joke: "I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy."  

Anyhoo, interesting discussion about mixing backwards, must certainly liberate you from hearing what you expect.

Did a fun project once where I learned to play part of Sabre Dance backwards, recorded it, then reversed it to be in the correct order but reverse-sounding.