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Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202617 min read
ToolsTool Guide
Reverb Time and Room Acoustics: Creating Space in Your Mix
Understand RT60, room simulation, and how to use reverb to create depth and dimension in any production.
Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202617 min readReverb is perhaps the most important effect in mixing. It creates the sense of space that makes recordings feel alive and three-dimensional.
Understanding RT60
RT60 is the time for reverb to decay by 60 decibels. Different spaces have characteristic RT60 values:
| Space | RT60 Range |
|---|---|
| Dead room | < 0.3s |
| Living room | 0.3-0.5s |
| Small club | 0.5-1.0s |
| Concert hall | 1.5-2.5s |
| Cathedral | 3.0-8.0s |
Reverb Parameters Explained
Pre-Delay
Time before reverb starts:
Decay Time
How long reverb lasts:
Early Reflections
First echoes from walls:
Use our [Reverb Time Calculator](/tools/reverb-time) to find ideal settings for your production.
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