Add audio effects to your song on Bandlab
Use BandLab to add effects like reverb, delay, EQ, and chorus to your song, learning mixing basics and improving sound quality.
Step-by-step guide to add audio effects to your song on BandLab
Step 1
Open your BandLab project for the song you want to add effects to.
Step 2
Put on your headphones or turn on your speakers and listen to the whole song once from start to finish.
Step 3
Choose the track you want to work on and click the solo button so only that track plays.
Step 4
Click the track's Effects or FX Rack button to open the effects panel.
Step 5
Click Add Effect and choose a Reverb effect for that track.
Step 6
Turn the Reverb Mix (Wet) down to around 10–30% while you listen.
Step 7
Set the Reverb Decay or Size to a short-to-medium amount so it sounds natural.
Step 8
Click Add Effect and choose a Delay effect for the track.
Step 9
Set the Delay Time to match the song tempo by choosing a rhythmic value like 1/4 or 1/8.
Step 10
Lower the Delay Feedback to about 10–30% so the echoes don’t crowd the song.
Step 11
Click Add Effect and choose an Equalizer (EQ) effect.
Step 12
Turn on a low-cut filter on the EQ around 80–120 Hz to remove rumble and mud.
Step 13
Gently boost the presence area around 2–5 kHz by about 1–3 dB so the track cuts through the mix.
Step 14
Click Add Effect and choose a Chorus effect and keep its setting subtle so it adds width without sounding strange.
Step 15
Save your project and share your finished song with effects on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have headphones or can't access BandLab or DIY.org?
Use earbuds or laptop speakers at a low volume while you solo the track, and if BandLab isn't available add reverb/delay/EQ in GarageBand or Audacity and then upload the finished file to DIY.org.
What should I do if the effects don't sound right or the FX Rack won't open?
If the Reverb overwhelms the track lower the Reverb Mix (Wet) to 10–30% and shorten the Decay/Size, and if the FX Rack won't open try selecting the track, reloading the project, or updating your browser/app.
How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids stick to soloing a track, adding one Reverb with Wet ~20% and saving to DIY.org, while older kids can add Delay set to 1/4 or 1/8, tweak EQ low-cut at 80–120 Hz and boost 2–5 kHz, and experiment with subtle Chorus and automation.
How can we extend or personalize the song after adding these effects?
Try making A/B copies of the track and altering Reverb Decay/Size, Delay Feedback (10–30%), EQ boosts around 2–5 kHz, or automate Wet levels and subtle Chorus to compare versions before saving and sharing.
Watch videos on how to add audio effects to your song on BandLab
BandLab | Mixing and Effects for a Beginners
4 Videos
BandLab | Mixing and Effects for a Beginners
Enhancing instrument sounds using effects in BandLab's free web Mix Editor (BandLab Tutorial)
Four ways to make sound FX with BandLab's free web Studio (BandLab Tutorial)
Using effects to improve your mix in BandLab's free web Studio (BandLab Tutorial)
Facts about music production for kids
⏱️ Delay creates echoes by repeating sound at timed intervals; syncing delay to the song’s tempo makes cool rhythmic patterns.
🎧 BandLab is a cloud-based music studio you can use in a browser or app to record, mix, and share songs with others.
🌈 Chorus thickens a sound by copying, slightly detuning, and delaying it to create shimmer and movement.
🎚️ EQ (equalization) sculpts tone—cutting muddy 200–400 Hz or boosting highs can make instruments fit together neatly.
🪄 Reverb mimics acoustic spaces—adding a little makes a vocal feel nearby, adding a lot can make it sound like it’s in a cathedral.
How do I add audio effects to my song on BandLab?
What materials do I need to add effects on BandLab?
What ages is this activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of adding audio effects to my child's song on BandLab?
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