Early Reflections

Definition

Early reflections are the first set of discrete echoes that reach your ear after the direct sound. They arrive within approximately the first 50-100 milliseconds and provide crucial information about the size and shape of a space.

Why Early Reflections Matter

• Help the brain perceive room size and character
• Provide localization cues
• Contribute to the sense of presence and intimacy
• Distinguished from the later, denser reverb tail

Early Reflections vs. Reverb Tail

• Early reflections: Discrete echoes, 0-100ms, sparse
• Reverb tail: Dense, diffuse sound after early reflections

Control Parameters

Many reverbs let you control early reflections separately:

• Level: How prominent the early reflections are
• Delay: Time before they arrive (related to room size)
• Pattern: The shape and density of early reflection arrivals

Related Terms

• Pre-delay
• Reverb Tail
• Room Size