Using Stereo Reverb To Widen A Mix

In today's world of unlimited tracks and digital instruments, it's rare to have a mix with less than four instruments, but, it happens.

So let's say you have a mix that is fairly simple as far as instruments go. Electric guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. You may be wondering how you can get a wide sound with such little instruments. One way you can do this is simply by using a stereo reverb track.

Note: I'd like to say right here that there are plenty of great albums with a primarily mono mix. Don't feel like it has to be wide. 

Okay so let's say you've got your one electric guitar panned dead in the center. If you want to widen it up, simply put a stereo reverb on there. All you do is a create a stereo aux channel, slap a reverb plugin in on there, and put a send on your guitar track to that channel. By finding the right level, you can create a wider sound without getting too spacey, especially if you've got a good reverb plugin. (I recommend RVerb by Waves)

You can use this reverb trick with any track as well. It doesn't have to just be guitar. You could even throw it on a drum buss to give it more of a room sound if it's too dry. You don't want to get too crazy using this trick, but it will definitely help open up your mixes using subtle reverb.

Remember as I noted before, there is nothing wrong with a mono mix. Great bands and great albums have been made with very little instrumentation and a primarily mono mix. This trick is only if you want to widen up your sound a little bit but don't want to throw off the balance of your mix.

Hope that helps!

Mixing and Mastering