2015/08/05 22:08:32
mesayre
Hey all,
   I've been experimenting with more mono mixing and have liked what it's doing for my stereo image and mix clarity. Wondering if any of you have a go-to solution for a mono reverb. Particularly interested in something that'll add some character and depth to guitars and vocals, like a decent plate.
 
So far I've tried out BlueVerb &  and Rematrix solo with width at 0, and Sonnitus Reverb in mono mode. Those are working OK, but wonder what else is out there specifically for mono -> mono processing. I'm a little wary of using stereo processors and folding them down, just cause 1) a lot of stereo reverbs don't sound great in mono and 2) it's just more work!
 
Any favorites?
 
2015/08/09 11:49:42
mesayre
No other mono-verb-er's out there?
2015/08/15 15:21:57
jimusic
I'd be all over this, as I'd be totally into some mono tracks & instrumentation.
I use Konatkt in every song, and wondered why every instrument was always Stereo - like a Sax or Trumpet, Flute, etc.
 
So I made the huge mistake of changing Kontakt's outs from Stereo to Mono, and all hell broke loose.
 
A bunch of stuff got erased and 'effed' around - and I regret it to this day.
2015/08/15 20:15:14
JohnKenn
Crap, before I even posted my brilliant life saving reply, they done changed the software already...
 
Was going to recommend a freebie mono convolution unit, Reverberate LE.
Now even the teaser is stereo:
 
http://www.liquidsonics.com/software_reverberate_le.htm
 
Really good program. So many impulse files for free on the internet. Even if stereo capable, if you load a mono impulse, result is mono. CPU load differential is not significant.
 
What I really like about convolution reverbs is that you can open the impulse wav file in an editor. Audition, Goldwave, whatever. Screw reality of some European church setting. Warp and bend the wave form. Time shift, flange, eq the yin yang out of it. Save and reload. Way more interesting than sitting in some heathen church listening to the choir bounce off the walls.
 
Also, multiple audio editors allow wav file downgrade from stereo to mono if that is what is required. Stereo to mono the file, and reload in a convolution plug.
 
John
 
 
2015/08/16 15:50:46
bitflipper
Reverbs are stereo by nature. They are, after all, based on a natural acoustical phenomenon that isn't monophonic. Consequently, mono reverb sounds very unnatural, although it may be used as a special effect (e.g. panning reverberation opposite an instrument).
 
If you are doing a truly mono mix, a well-designed stereo reverb will fold nicely into mono with no ill effects. But if you actually mean that you're doing stereo mixes comprised primarily of mono tracks, then a stereo reverb is desirable.
 
If you're still intent on using a mono reverb, the Sonitus will work. Unlike many reverbs, it has an actual Mono mode. So does PerfectSpace, if you prefer convolution.
2015/08/18 11:36:22
sharke
Don't forget you can also narrow a stereo reverb, you don't have to leave it at 100% width. And reverb doesn't always have to sound "natural" or even create a sense of space, you can use a mono reverb to add sustain to an instrument for example.
2015/08/19 19:55:01
mesayre
Thanks for the replies all.
 
As sharke alluded to, I find mono verb can be useful for other things, like pushing an instrument back in a mix without having to drown it in verb or roll of the high end. Works great on guitars, or some sampled instruments. Then I'll use a second, stereo reverb that's actually doing the "sitting in a room" part.
 
The Sonnitus is serviceable, but not special. DP has a really nice plate that can do mono - just adds a nice little life to the sound. Unfortunately, Perfectspace is no longer included in Sonar. Bummer. I guess I can plug mono IRs into Rematrix solo.
 
 EDIT: Realized I could dig up my X1 disc and reinstall Perfectspace. So that's one more option. Don't love the latency it adds, so I'll probably stick with the Sonnitus unless I hear of something better.
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