Question 1

What's the difference between delay calculator and reverb pre-delay calculator?

Accepted Answer

Delay calculator gives the time between echoes (e.g., 375 ms). Reverb pre-delay calculator gives the time before reverb starts (e.g., 25 ms). Both use the same BPM-to-ms math but serve different effects.

Question 2

Why would I need a pre-delay calculator? Can't I just set it by ear?

Accepted Answer

You can, but a tempo-synced pre-delay keeps the reverb from masking the next beat. In a dense mix, 20 ms off can make vocals lose punch.

Question 3

My delay pedal only has a time knob (no numbers). How do I use this?

Accepted Answer

Set the knob to minimum (usually 0 ms). Play a note and turn the knob slowly while listening. Use our calculator to know the target ms, then approximate. Or use tap tempo if your pedal has it.

Question 4

What's a good starting delay for guitar solos?

Accepted Answer

Dotted eighth at 120-140 BPM, feedback 40%, mix 25%. That's 375-321 ms. Add some reverb after the delay.

Question 5

Can I use these calculators for live sound?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sound engineers use them to set vocal delays and hall reverbs per song. Enter the song's BPM, get ms, type into the digital console.

Delay & Reverb Time Calculator