If EQ and pan are the most useful tools to create an “open” mix where instruments don’t step on each other’s frequency or placement in the stereo field, a mix wouldn't sound alive without the use of more subtle depth related effects and techniques. Effects like reverb and echo emulate natural sonic phenomenons related to distance - which is what aural depth related is all about - although, often the natural reverb of really good sounding rooms works better for certain instruments (drums in particular).... Click on the title for more