What is early reverberation?

Early reverberation refers to sound that arrives at the listener's ears after a few reflections from nearby surfaces. This is an important concept in acoustics, particularly in relation to how individuals perceive sound in a given space. Early reflections occur shortly after the direct sound reaches the listener, typically within the first 50 milliseconds. These reflections contribute to the fullness of the sound without causing muddiness, as they help maintain the clarity of speech and music while providing a sense of space.

In contrast to early reverberation, late reverberation consists of sound that has bounced around the environment multiple times and arrives later, which can create a more diffuse and less clear auditory experience. Therefore, understanding early reverberation is crucial for audio professionals when designing spaces for optimal sound quality, as it can enhance the listener's experience by improving intelligibility and the overall acoustic environment.