What is the difference between echo and reverberation?
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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.
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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.
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An echo is usually clear and can be clearly distinguished. A reverb is not a clear replica of the original sound sample.
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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.
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An echo can be heard both in open and closed spaces. Reverberation is usually experienced in closed spaces with multiple reflecting objects.