If you've ever craved that snappy, punchy reverb sound from the '80s—think Phil Collins' drums or that gated vibe from classic rock and pop records—then you're after the AMS RMX16 Nonlinear Reverb. This iconic reverb unit helped define an era, adding space without muddiness and punch without drowning the mix. But what if you don’t have an RMX16 lying around? No worries! With a little know-how, you can dial in that classic sound using Waves plugins. Let's dive in and get those drums slapping and vocals shimmering!
The Tools: Waves Renaissance Reverb & H-Reverb
To capture the essence of the AMS RMX16 Nonlinear Reverb, Waves Renaissance Reverb (R-Verb) and Waves H-Reverb are your best bets. Both offer the flexibility and control needed to mimic that classic, gated, and nonlinear sound. Here’s how to dial it in:
✅ Waves Renaissance Reverb (R-Verb)
1. Choose Your Base: Start with the "Nonlinear" or "Ambience" preset if available. These presets already have the basic character of the RMX16.
2. Shape the Space:
Reverb Type: Select the Nonlinear reverb shape or adjust the envelope to create a gated or inverse effect.
Pre-Delay: Keep it short (around 10-20ms) to maintain clarity while adding dimension.
Decay: This is where the magic happens—set the decay between 0.3 - 0.6 seconds for that signature short, snappy tail.
Size: Keep the size small to medium (20-40 meters) to maintain a tight sound.
3. Bright and Punchy:
Use minimal damping to keep the reverb bright and forward.
EQ: Cut the low end slightly and boost the high mids to help the reverb cut through the mix.
4. Mix to Taste: Blend the wet/dry mix so the reverb is clearly audible but doesn’t swamp the dry signal. Aim for around 30-40% wet for most applications.
✅ Waves H-Reverb (For Even More Control)
1. Start with a Preset: Select a Nonlinear or Reverse Reverb preset as a jumping-off point.
2. Dial in the Decay:
Reverb Time: Keep it short—between 0.3 - 0.6 seconds is the sweet spot.
Envelope Shape: Use a fast attack and medium release to mimic the gated or reverse effect of the RMX16.
3. Sculpt the Dynamics:
Under the Dynamics Section, adjust the envelope so the reverb swells quickly and then cuts off abruptly.
Use the reverse decay curve for that classic “swell and snap” vibe.
4. Final Touches:
EQ: Boost the high mids and roll off the low end to keep the reverb from getting muddy.
Mix: Blend to taste—around 30-40% wet works well for drums, while vocals might need a bit more subtlety.
Dialing It In for Different Instruments
For Drums:
Pre-Delay: 10ms
Reverb Time: 0.4s
Room Size: Small
Shape: Gate or Reverse
Mix: 30-40% Wet
This setup will give your drums that iconic gated reverb sound, adding depth and punch without washing out the hits.
For Vocals:
Pre-Delay: 20ms
Reverb Time: 0.5s
Room Size: Medium
Shape: Nonlinear
Mix: 20-30% Wet
This creates a lush, atmospheric vocal reverb that stays present without overwhelming the performance.
For Guitars:
Pre-Delay: 15ms
Reverb Time: 0.3s
Room Size: Small
Shape: Ambience
Mix: 25-35% Wet
Perfect for adding dimension to guitar solos and rhythm parts while keeping them upfront in the mix.
Why the AMS RMX16 Nonlinear Sound Is So Iconic
The AMS RMX16 became legendary because of its ability to add space and depth without sounding distant or washed out. Its nonlinear reverb shape creates a reverb tail that cuts off abruptly, adding punch and clarity to drums, vocals, and guitars. This effect became a staple of '80s rock, pop, and even modern productions looking for that vintage vibe.
Thanks to Waves plugins like R-Verb and H-Reverb, you can now recreate this classic sound right in your DAW—no rack gear required. So whether you're chasing that Phil Collins drum sound or adding character to a vocal, give these settings a try and hear the magic for yourself!
Ready to Add Classic Vibe to Your Mix?
Now that you know how to dial in that iconic AMS RMX16 Nonlinear Reverb sound using Waves plugins, it's time to get creative! Experiment with different decay times, envelope shapes, and mix levels to suit your production. Whether you're mixing rock drums, pop vocals, or lush guitar solos, this classic reverb effect will surely add punch and character to your mix. Happy mixing!