Using reverbs to create depth

As a sound moves farther away, its direct level decreases while its reverberated level remains about the same. Sound loses 6dB per doubling of distance.¹

Early reflections of a reverb can situate a sound in a place.² These early reflections also help each track of a mix blend.³ This makes sense to me because it smears the transient.

Pre-delay can situate a sound in a place too (see Using delay to create depth). Use this to create a sense of the instrument’s location. Reverbs with no pre-delay give the impression that the source signal is further away. Reverbs with pre-delay bring the source signal closer. Start off with 10 to 20 milliseconds of pre-delay.⁴

Distant sounds tend to reflect off of more surfaces.⁵ Use late reflections to exploit this.

ValhallaVintageVerb has controls for early and late reflections. So does Phoenix Verb.

Consider also Using EQ to create depth on the reverb aux.

I like to use two reverbs on a source sometimes, like a plate and a chamber. One reverb can be used for character, the other for placement via early and late reflections.⁶