SleepfreaksDTM MEDIA SITE

ARTICLE VIDEO

EDM Recipe #8: Create Dreamy Sounds! The Shimmer Reverb Technique

EDM RecipesPublished 2023.08.11Updated 2026.07.18
Read article ↓

This article explains in detail the shimmer reverb technique for creating dreamy, lavish sounds in EDM production. Through four steps, creating a return track, adding a reverb, adjusting pitch with a pitch shifter, and adding a second return track, you can learn how to transform a dry sound into a wide, thick sound. This technique is especially effective on pads, vocals and similar parts, and it is practical DTM knowledge that can greatly improve the quality of the whole song.

A Technique for Creating Dreamy Sounds

EDM Recipe part 8 introduces the shimmer reverb technique that makes sounds lavish!
It adds thickness to a sound and gives it a dreamy finish, so please give it a try!

Shimmer Reverb Technique

  1. 1STEP1 - Create a return track
  2. 2STEP2 - Add a reverb
  3. 3STEP3 - Add a pitch shifter
  4. 4STEP4 - Add another return track

First, let's check the sound with the shimmer reverb technique applied.

The dry sound has become a wide, lavish sound!
Now let's go through the process step by step.

Add a Return Track

First, add a [return track].

▶︎ Adding a return track
Screenshot 2023-08-06 18:00:35

Next, adjust the [send] amount to send the sound to the return track.
Adjust the send amount until you can clearly hear the sound from the return track.

▶︎ Adjusting the send amount
Send

Add a Reverb

Next, add a [reverb].

For a reverb placed on a return track, always set Mix to 100%.

▶︎ Reverb Mix setting
Screenshot 2023-08-06 18:10:26

Set the reverb to a fairly large space.

▶︎ Reverb settings
Screenshot 2023-08-06 18:10:26

The reverb used in the video is [Valhalla Room].
Of course, this can be applied with other reverbs too, so please try it with various reverbs!

▶︎ Valhalla Room

Add a Pitch Shifter

After the reverb, insert a [pitch shifter] to change the pitch.
Set the pitch shifter [one octave up].

▶︎ Pitch shifter settings
Screenshot 2023-08-06 18:20:44

Add Another Return Track

Finally, add another return track and add a reverb and pitch shifter to it as well.
Set the reverb the same as before, and set the pitch shifter [one octave down].

▶︎ Pitch shifter settings
SoundShifter Pitch Stereo settings for EDM Recipe 8

Now, when the original sound comes in, you can create a sound with an even more dreamy sense of space.

How did you find it?
We recommend using shimmer reverb on [pads], [vocals] and similar parts, as it adds thickness and gives a lavish finish.
Please incorporate this technique to raise the quality of your own songs!

See you in the next recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the shimmer reverb technique?

It is a DTM production technique that adds depth and thickness to a sound by combining a reverb with a pitch shifter. By using multiple return tracks and layering reverbs processed at different pitches, it achieves a dreamy, wide sound.

Q2. How should I set the reverb Mix when using this technique?

For reverbs inserted on return tracks, always set Mix to 100%. This outputs the reverb component fully, allowing the effect to work to its maximum.

Q3. Why are the pitch shifters set one octave up and one octave down?

Setting them an octave up and down adds different frequency ranges while keeping harmony with the original sound, creating a richer, more three-dimensional harmonic structure.

Q4. Can I use a reverb other than Valhalla Room?

Yes. This article also clearly states that it "can be applied with various reverbs." The same technique can be applied with other reverb plug-ins, so please try it with the plug-ins you have.

Q5. What kinds of sound material can this technique be used on effectively?

It is especially effective on synth and vocal elements such as pads and vocals. Using it on these elements adds thickness and gives a more lavish, floating sound.