The Early Reflections section has controls for the various early reflection elements, including ER setting, level, spread, and delay.
A particular reflection within a reverberant field is usually categorized as an early reflection. Early reflections are usually calculated by measuring the reflection paths from source to listener. Early reflections typically reach the listener within 80 milliseconds of the initial audio event, depending on the proximity of reflecting surfaces.
Different physical environments have different early reflection signatures that our ears and brain use to pinpoint location information. These reflections influence our perception of the size of a space and where an audio source sits within it. Changing early reflection characteristics changes the perceived location of the reflecting surfaces surrounding the audio source.
This is commonly accomplished in digital reverberation simulations by using multiple delay taps at different levels that occur in different positions in the stereo spectrum (through panning). Long reverberation generally occurs after early reflections dissipate.
Reverb One provides a variety of early reflections models. These let you quickly choose a basic acoustic environment, then tailor other reverb characteristics to meet your precise needs.
Selects an early reflection preset. These range from realistic rooms to unusual reflective effects. The last five presets (Plate, Build, Spread, Slapback and Echo) feature a nonlinear response.
Controls the output level of the early reflections. Turning the Early Reflections Level slider completely off produces a reverb made entirely of reverb tail.
Globally adjusts the delay characteristics of the early reflections, moving them closer together or farther apart. Use Spread to vary the size and character of an early reflection preset. Setting the Plate preset to a Spread value of 50%, for example, will change the reverb from a large, smooth plate to a small, tight plate.
Determines the amount of time that elapses between the original audio event and the onset of early reflections.
Toggles early reflections on or off. When early reflections are off, the reverb consists entirely of reverb tail.