Pre Delay Calculator

Calculate the pre-delay time in milliseconds needed for audio effects like reverb and delay to start after the dry signal

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Pre-Delay Calculation

Pre-delay = (Effect Processing Time × Sample Rate) / 1000

Where:
- Sample Rate: Number of audio samples processed per second
- Effect Processing Time: Time taken by the effect to start processing the signal

Result

0 ms

This is the time (in milliseconds) before the effect starts processing the signal

Pre Delay 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 dry signal (original audio) reaches the input of an audio effect processor and when the processed signal (wet signal) begins to appear at the output.

Why Use Pre-Delay?

  • Room Size Simulation: In reverb effects, a longer pre-delay can make the reverb sound as if it's coming from a larger space.
  • Compressor Control: Pre-delay allows for control over when the compressor starts affecting the signal, which can help avoid pumping artifacts.
  • Timing Adjustments: It gives audio engineers the ability to precisely control the timing relationship between dry and wet signals.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your audio system's sample rate (typically 44100, 48000, or 96000 Hz)
  2. Enter the effect processing time in milliseconds
  3. Click "Calculate" to determine the pre-delay time
  4. The result will be displayed in milliseconds

Example:

If you have a reverb effect with a processing time of 50 ms and your sample rate is 44100 Hz, the pre-delay would be:

(50 ms × 44100 Hz) / 1000 = 2.21 seconds

This means the reverb will start 2.21 seconds after the dry signal reaches the effect processor.