Delay and Reverb Calculator
Calculate delay times synchronized to your song's tempo. Determine the perfect delay settings for rhythmic effects.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your song\'s BPM (beats per minute).
- Select the note value you want to sync the delay to (1/4 note, 1/8 note, etc.).
- The calculator displays the delay time in milliseconds that matches your tempo.
- Set your delay unit to this time for perfectly synchronized rhythmic delay effects.
Delay Time Formula
Delay time synchronized to tempo is calculated from BPM and note value:
Example: At 120 BPM with a 1/4 note: Delay = (60 ÷ 120) × 0.25 × 1000 = 125 ms. At 120 BPM with a 1/8 note: Delay = (60 ÷ 120) × 0.125 × 1000 = 62.5 ms.
Full Description
Delay and reverb are essential effects in music production, creating space, depth, and rhythmic interest. When delay is synchronized to a song\'s tempo, it creates musical, rhythmic echoes that enhance the groove rather than cluttering the mix. Calculating the correct delay time is crucial for achieving professional, polished productions.
Delay time is measured in milliseconds (ms) and represents how long after the original signal the delayed copy appears. When synchronized to tempo, delay times correspond to musical note values (1/4 note, 1/8 note, etc.), creating rhythmic echoes that lock into the song\'s groove. This is especially important in genres like rock, pop, and electronic music where delay is used as a rhythmic element.
This calculator helps you find the perfect delay time for your song\'s tempo. Enter the BPM and desired note value, and it calculates the exact delay time in milliseconds. Use it when mixing, producing, or setting up live effects. Synchronized delay creates professional, musical effects that enhance rather than distract from your music.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate delay time from BPM?
Delay time = (60 ÷ BPM) × Note Value. For example, at 120 BPM with a quarter note: (60 ÷ 120) × 0.25 = 0.125 seconds = 125 ms. The calculator does this automatically.
What delay times work best for different effects?
Short slapback: 50-150 ms. Rhythmic delay: 200-500 ms (typically 1/4 or 1/8 note). Long echo: 500-1000 ms. Reverb pre-delay: 20-100 ms. The key is matching delay time to the song's tempo.
What's the difference between delay and reverb?
Delay creates distinct, repeated echoes of the original signal. Reverb creates a sense of space by simulating reflections in a room. Reverb pre-delay is the time before reverb starts, creating separation between dry and wet signals.
How do I sync delay to a song's tempo?
Use the calculator to find the delay time for your song's BPM and desired note value (1/4, 1/8, etc.). Set your delay unit to that time, and it will be perfectly synchronized to the tempo. This creates rhythmic, musical delay effects.