Reverb diffusion (sometimes referred to as early reflections diffusion) is a common parameter that you will come across on almost any reverberation plugin. What reverb diffusion does is control the density of the reflections bouncing off the walls.
We can also put that across as the rate at which the initial echo density increases over time. A high setting of reverb diffusion emulates rough irregular reflective surfaces. In essence, that's pretty much a high initial buildup of echo density.
For example, spaces with rough irregular surfaces can be emulated with a high diffusion setting. Hence, irregular-shaped rooms produce a more diffused sound field compared to simple cubical rooms. Alternatively, a low setting of reverb diffusion emulates smooth and flat reflective surfaces. This produces a sound that resembles distinct individual echoes which are sparse.
However, when working with sounds such as vocals, synth pads, brass, and strings. You might want to use a moderate or a low diffusion setting on your reverb plugin.
For instance, a low setting of reverb diffusion provides the vocals with more clarity. Because low diffusion will not have those dense reflections. You can also utilize low reverb diffusion for any other sustained sounds too.
N.B., Reverb diffusion, and reverb density parameters are commonly confused as their effect can be identical. This is because high diffusion settings may sometimes result in a growing reverberation density over time or produce less regular reflection spacing.
We can also put that across as the rate at which the initial echo density increases over time. A high setting of reverb diffusion emulates rough irregular reflective surfaces. In essence, that's pretty much a high initial buildup of echo density.
For example, spaces with rough irregular surfaces can be emulated with a high diffusion setting. Hence, irregular-shaped rooms produce a more diffused sound field compared to simple cubical rooms. Alternatively, a low setting of reverb diffusion emulates smooth and flat reflective surfaces. This produces a sound that resembles distinct individual echoes which are sparse.
Tips for using reverberation diffusion
Setting reverb diffusion is all about the material you are working with. A high diffusion setting is suitable for percussive sounds or instruments with fast transients.However, when working with sounds such as vocals, synth pads, brass, and strings. You might want to use a moderate or a low diffusion setting on your reverb plugin.
For instance, a low setting of reverb diffusion provides the vocals with more clarity. Because low diffusion will not have those dense reflections. You can also utilize low reverb diffusion for any other sustained sounds too.
N.B., Reverb diffusion, and reverb density parameters are commonly confused as their effect can be identical. This is because high diffusion settings may sometimes result in a growing reverberation density over time or produce less regular reflection spacing.
