EQing & Processing Reverbs - Mat Gendreau

Nov 10, 2020

Mat Gendreau, a talented Canadian producer and the founder of Rowan University's Music Industry program, shares his expertise on reverb processing. He emphasizes treating reverb as its own track to enhance mix clarity. Gendreau discusses key techniques like EQing reverb for vocal clarity and using a de-esser to prevent muddiness. He dives into advanced methods such as gate usage and automation, revealing how to time effects perfectly. Listeners gain valuable insights on managing reverb to elevate their music without overwhelming the mix.

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ADVICE

Treat Reverb as a Track

Treat reverbs as individual tracks within your mix, not just as an effect.
This mindset shift allows for more precise control and integration.

ADVICE

EQ Your Reverb

Use an EQ after your reverb to shape its frequencies and prevent muddiness.
Roll off the low and high ends to create space for other instruments.

ADVICE

De-esser for Clarity

Use a de-esser after the reverb, sidechained to the dry vocal, to control harsh frequencies.
This creates clarity without over-EQing and adds dynamic movement.

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Canadian Producer and Educator Mat Gendreau shares his top 5 tips on processing reverbs to fit with your song tempo and to avoid overpowering a mix.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - Treating Reverb As A Track
00:53 - Tip 1: EQ Your Reverb
04:38 - Tip 2: Adding a De-Esser
08:05 - Tip 3: Changing Reverb Tonality
09:50 - Tip 4: Adding A Gate
13:22 - Tip 5: Delaying A Reverb

Mat Gendreau Biog
Mathieu "Mat" Gendreau, is a Canadian-born and Philadelphia-based music producer, composer, recording artist, label owner and educator. He is the founder and program director of the Rowan University Bachelor of Science in Music Industry in Glassboro NJ, USA, and he records under the names JAXX DE LUXE, Expo 67 and Plastic Operator (with bandmate Pieter Van Dessel).

While graduating with an MA in Audio Production from University of Westminster in London, Gendreau cut his teeth as an in-house engineer at Mute Records in the early 00’s, He was also the main studio engineer for producer Arthur Baker. Over the years his music productions have been released by labels such as EMI, Mute, Virgin, Sony, Tommy Boy, Ministry of Sound and Universal, and he’s worked with many artists including Lenny Kravitz, Goldfrapp, New Order, Arthur Baker, Tommie Sunshine, CLIENT, Erasure, King Britt and Josh Wink.

His band Plastic Operator caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank with the song "Folder" in 2005 and the single was signed to Sunday Best Recordings. In 2007, Mathieu launched his own label, Fine Day Records, and released Plastic Operator's album "Different Places" to critical acclaim. The band performed live in many of Europe's largest clubs, events and festivals including Bestival (Isle of Wight), Razzmatazz Club (Barcelona), Petrol, Culture Club (Belgium) and Paris Fashion Week. Mathieu has produced numerous remixes, including "Chains of Love - Plastic Operator remix" for chart-topping band Erasure (Mute/EMI). His club smash hit Booka Shade vs. Plastic Operator “I Won’t Back Down” was released on Ministry of Sound/Hed Kandi.

In 2018, under his house music moniker JAXX DE LUXE, Mathieu signed to legendary house music label Nervous Records with the single “I’m Taking You High – Feat. Aphra”. Later that year his JAXX DE LUXE remix of Lenny Kravitz's "Low" was part of a remix package that pushed the single to Number 1 on the Billboard Dance Music Chart.

Another of his recent efforts as a recording artist is a downtempo instrumental electronica project under the name Expo 67. The Expo 67 EP "Never Without You" was released on Fine Day Records / SONY The Orchard in 2019.

His work as a composer has been featured in films and videos, television programs, advertisements, and video games for Ubisoft, Autodesk, MIT, WYBE, Coca-Cola, Radio-Canada Television and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Games Awards.

Rowan University Music Industry Program : https://academics.rowan.edu/cpa/music/divisions/MusicIndustry.html

JAXX DE LUXE: https://ampl.ink/em4YP

Expo 67: https://ampl.ink/Qo4NK

Plastic Operator: https://linktr.ee/PlasticOperator

Discography: http://www.finedaymusic.com/p/discography.html

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