What is the Difference Between Reverberation and Echo?

Reverberation and echo are both aspects of sound reflection, but they differ in their characteristics and effects on the sound. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Definition: Reverberation is the persistence of sound after the sound source has been stopped, resulting from a large number of reflected waves that can be perceived by the brain as a continuous sound. An echo, on the other hand, occurs when a pulse of sound can be heard twice, usually due to a delay of 50ms or more between the first and the second sound bouncing off a reflective surface.
• Reflection: An echo is the result of a single reflection of sound waves off a surface, while reverberation is the result of multiple reflections of sound waves.
• Clarity: Echoes are clear and distinguishable, while reverberation is less clear.
• Distance: Echos can be heard when the distance between the sound source and the reflecting surface exceeds 50 feet. Reverberation can be heard when the distance between the sound source and the reflecting surface is relatively small.
• Surface Type: Echos can be formed in both open and closed spaces, while reverberation occurs in closed spaces with multiple reflecting objects.
• Distance of Reflecting Object: The distance of a reflecting object can be determined by the travel time of an echo, with a minimum distance of 17.2 meters. However, the distance of a reflecting object cannot be determined by reverberation, as the travel time is too small and the minimum distance is not specified.

In summary, echoes are clear and distinct reflections of sound off a surface, while reverberation is the result of multiple, less clear reflections that persist as a continuous sound.

Comparative Table: Reverberation vs Echo

Here is a table comparing the differences between reverberation and echo:

In summary, while both reverberation and echo involve the reflection of sound waves, reverberation creates a continuous decay of sound in an enclosed space with multiple reflecting objects, whereas an echo is a distinct, single reflection of a sound wave off a distant surface.