Unlike classic reverbs, smart:reverb 2 uses a perceptual approach. Instead of a dry/wet knob, the Distance parameter blends the dry and wet signals while also controlling spatial cues like reverb density and high-frequency damping. This makes depth staging more intuitive and realistic.

You can disable the additional coloration from the Distance filter if you want a clean dry/wet control.

For full wet signal use (e.g. on a bus), activate Wet Mode, which disables Distance and outputs only the reverb tail.

smart:reverb 2 replaces these two parameters with two more perceptual controls:

• The parameter Size replaces reverb time because each reverb style (Room, Hall, Plate, Spring) interprets size differently.

• Distance integrates the perceptual effect of pre-delay by simulating how a signal behaves further away from the listener.

• Hint: When enabling "Manual Override" you can control the tail length of the reverb and see an estimate for the resulting reverb time in seconds or beats.

This design encourages spatial thinking over parameter tweaking.

The Learn function analyzes the source signal and subtly adjusts the reverb characteristics to better suit it. Unlike other sonible plug-ins, the effect here is intentionally subtle and doesn’t automatically change any parameters. Instead, it creates a customized reverb response that acts as a starting point.

In Group Mode, learning also supports cross-channel unmasking, helping reverb tails interact better across multiple instances. You can control the intensity of this influence using the Source Adaption slider.

Hint: To better hear the effect of Source Adaption, enable Wet Mode - this way you’ll listen only to the reverb signal and perceive how it’s been tailored to the source.

The plug-in is primarily designed as an insert effect, particularly to make full use of the Distance parameter and Group Mode. Distance combines dry/wet balance with spatial coloration and gain compensation.

However, you can also use smart:reverb 2 on a send channel by activating Wet Mode, which disables the Distance control and outputs only the reverb signal.

Instead of using static presets, smart:reverb 2 offers a Reverb Matrix with four reverb types (Room, Hall, Plate, Spring) and their variants. This lets you intuitively explore and morph between different reverb textures. It’s designed for creative freedom - just drag your way through the matrix to find the sound that works.