For a project I'm currently working on I need to deliver stem mixes to a post-production editor for mixing. I want the 'overall' track to have reverb applied, but I'm not sure whether I should include reverb on the mixdowns of the individual stems.
Do you suggest that I provide stems with reverb applied, or is the effect of this cumulative, in the sense that each reverb will add on top of the other to give an ugly sound? In previous projects I've been able to speak with the post-production facility, and they've had their own reverb unit, so I've supplied dry stems. I'm a bit wary of losing control over this aspect of the mix, though.
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Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns replies: Any worthy dubbing or post-production studio will have decent reverb facilities, their engineers will know what to do with them, and they should have an ear to judge reverb correctly. So sending them dry stems should not be a problem, especially if you also send them an example of the final balance you are aiming for, including details of the reverbs you are using. On the question of whether you'd experience an 'ugly' sound when mixing reverb-treated stems, you shouldn't encounter anything serious, providing you get the levels of reverb right on each stem. You are obviously entering the land of the unknown, as someone else will be doing the final mix. However, it should be easy enough for you to experiment yourself. Take the stems, add reverb to each independently, then combine the stems to produce the final mix and adjust each stem/reverb balance to make it work. You then have your optimal settings. Personally, I'd be a bit wary of this approach, especially if you don't know how your music is going to be placed in the sound stage. Also, bear in mind that reverbs can do funny things in Dolby Surround, so I'd tend to leave it to the dubbing mixer to resolve.