The Output team recently set out to produce a track that put the elements of REV to the test. To showcase how beautiful reverse sounds can be we decided to go for an atmospheric and indie-type beat. Think along the lines of something you might hear from AURORA, Daughter, or Tash Sultana. Aside from the drums and vocals, everything part of the song was created with REV. Let’s see how dynamic and creative you can be when you put it all in reverse.
We used six instances of REV, and all four of its powerful engines (Instruments, Timed Instruments, Loops, and Rises). First, we softened a simple electric guitar strum with a layer of a pad created from the same sound. We turned on the stutter and synched it to eighth notes. There’s a strong moving foundation, with just a touch of rhythmic structure.
After the vocals are introduced, we slowly brought up the energy. We added another instrument layer — a reverse piano set to stereo delay. REV’s FX bank quickly creates dramatic adjustments with ease.
As more elements are added, it becomes clear how easy it is to nerd out on sound design with REV. The third element uses synth stutters made from piano pads also synched to the eighth note.
One of the Rises engine’s many uses is sparkling cymbal swells. Reverse cymbals are a great way to transition between sections and make your music feel like it’s expanding.
Reverse sounds aren’t a new concept. However, if you’ve ever tried reversing a sample or loop you know how difficult it can be to get it to sit in the pocket. REV does the work for you — that’s why every element including those sweet cello swells are perfectly in sync with the project.
Finally, we added a loop with REV’s timed loop engine to tie everything together. Sound design doesn’t have to be complicated. REV makes the creative process easy and fun. Go play with reverse sounds!
If you like the sounds from the video and own REV you can download the free patches here: Atmospheric Indie Production Elements.
