Question

What is the difference between reverberation and echo?

Answer 1

1. Echo is a single reflection of a sound wave off a surface. Reverberation is the sound or the pattern created by the superposition of such echoes.

2. An echo can be heard only when the distance between the source of sound and the reflecting body is at least 17 m. A reverberation can occur when sound wave is reflected by a nearby wall also.

3. An echo is usually clear and can be clearly distinguished. A reverb is not a clear replica of the original sound sample.

4. Echo can be used to determine the distance of a reflecting object such as a large building or a mountain, if the ambient temperature is known. Reverberation cannot be utilized for distance measurement applications.

5. An echo can be heard both in open and closed spaces. Reverberation is usually experienced in closed spaces with multiple reflecting objects.