Pre Delay Calculator

Calculate pre-delay time in milliseconds for audio processing applications

Input Parameters

Standard sample rates: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, 176400, 192000 Hz

Typical range: 5-25ms for compressor pre-delay

Audio interface buffer size in samples

Calculation Results

Calculation Results

Pre-Delay in Samples:

441

Buffer Time (ms):

5.87ms

Total Latency (ms):

16.87ms

Calculation Formula

Pre-Delay (samples) = Pre-Delay (ms) × Sample Rate / 1000

Where:
Pre-Delay (ms): Time delay before audio processing begins
Sample Rate (Hz): Number of audio samples per second
Pre-Delay (samples): Number of samples to delay processing

Practical Application

Pre-delay is commonly used in compression to prevent phase cancellation. A typical pre-delay of 10-25ms works well. This calculator helps determine the exact number of samples to delay processing in your audio engine.

Pre Delay Calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Pre Delay Calculator and understand its importance in audio processing

What is Pre-Delay?

Pre-delay is the time between when the audio signal enters a processor (like a compressor) and when the output of that processor begins to affect the signal. This delay creates a separation between the dry (unprocessed) signal and the wet (processed) signal, which can be beneficial for several reasons:

Why Use Pre-Delay?

  • Phase cancellation reduction: When the dry and wet signals mix, pre-delay prevents phase cancellation that would occur if both signals were in phase.
  • Control over attack time: Allows precise control over how quickly compression begins to affect the signal, especially important for percussive sounds.
  • Creating pumping effects: With longer pre-delays, you can create more noticeable pumping effects in the mix.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your audio system's sample rate (typically 44100 or 48000 Hz)
  2. Specify the desired pre-delay time in milliseconds (common ranges are 5-25ms)
  3. Enter your audio interface's buffer size in samples
  4. Indicate the number of audio channels being processed
  5. Click the "Calculate" button to see the results in samples and milliseconds

Practical Tips

For most applications, a pre-delay of 10-25ms provides a good balance between phase cancellation prevention and natural compression sounds. Use this calculator to determine the exact number of samples to delay processing in your audio engine based on your specific system configuration.