The Reverb effect simulates a physical environment, such as a gymnasium, cathedral, or valley, that is different from the physical environment of the original recording. In a physical environment, the way we hear sound is based on the properties of direct sounds and reflected sounds. Direct sounds are the frequencies that reach the ear straight from the audio source. Reflected sounds are frequencies that reach the ear after being reflected from a physical surface, such as a wall or mountain side.

Direct sound is an indicator of the proximity of the audio source. For example, if you close your eyes as a car passes, you can estimate its distance based on the level of sound you hear as it goes by. Reflected sounds are the indicators for the physical environment. For example, in a small room, sound is reflected back to your ear more quickly than in a large room. The time it takes for the reflected sound to reach your ear can give you an idea of the size of room you are in. As well, different surfaces and materials have different reflective properties for sound. The more reflective a surface, the more reverb will occur.

By modifying the Predelay, Decay Rate, and Damping values, you can simulate physical environments. You can take a recording that was recorded in a small room with little reverb and make it sound like it was recorded in a large room, such as an arena or church. Different types of music tend to sound best with reverberation times appropriate to their characteristics.