What causes of reverberation?

Reverberation is caused by the reflection of sound waves off surfaces in an environment, such as walls, ceilings, and floors. These reflections create multiple sound paths that reach the listener's ears at slightly different times, resulting in a prolonged sound effect. Factors influencing reverberation include the size and shape of the space, the materials of the surfaces (which can absorb or reflect sound), and the presence of furnishings that can scatter sound waves. In essence, reverberation enhances the richness of sound but can also muddy clarity if excessive.