Delay & Reverb Time Calculator
Calculate tempo-synced delay and reverb times for your music production. Get precise millisecond values for all note divisions.
Delay & Reverb Time Calculator
Calculate tempo-synced delay and reverb times for your music production.
Genre Presets
Reverb Settings
Pre-Delay (1/64 note)
0.0ms
Decay Time (2 beats)
0.0ms
Formulas:
- Quarter note (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM
- Dotted note = Note × 1.5
- Triplet note = Note × (2/3)
- Pre-delay = Quarter note × (1/16)
How to Use
- 1Enter BPM — Input your song tempo in BPM or select a genre preset.
- 2Set reverb decay — Choose how many beats you want your reverb tail to last.
- 3Copy delay times — Click the copy button next to any delay time to copy it.
- 4Apply in DAW — Paste the millisecond values into your delay or reverb plugin.
- 5Experiment — Try different note values - dotted and triplet delays create unique rhythmic effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I sync my delays to the tempo?
Tempo-synced delays create a more musical and cohesive sound. The delay repeats align with the beat, making them feel like part of the music rather than random echoes.
What is pre-delay in reverb?
Pre-delay is the time between the original sound and when the reverb starts. A small pre-delay (10-30ms) helps maintain clarity by separating the dry signal from the reverb tail.
When should I use dotted delays?
Dotted delays (1.5× the note length) create a bouncing, rhythmic effect. They are popular in dub, reggae, and U2-style guitar sounds. The dotted eighth note delay is especially common.
What are triplet delays good for?
Triplet delays divide the beat into three, creating a swinging or shuffle feel. They work well in jazz, blues, and electronic music where you want a less rigid rhythmic feel.
How do I choose the right reverb decay time?
Shorter decays (1-2 beats) work well for fast, busy mixes. Longer decays (3-4 beats) suit slower, spacious music. Match the decay to your tempo so the reverb clears before the next phrase.