Delay Times
Musical Delay Times (BPM: 120)
Note
Time (ms)
Musical Feel
1/4 Note
500ms
Straight, on-beat
1/4 Dotted
750ms
Swing feel
1/8 Note
250ms
Double-time feel
1/8 Dotted
375ms
Shuffle feel
1/16 Note
125ms
Fast, busy
Delay Types
Type
Characteristics
Best For
Tape
Warm, saturated, wobbly
Vocals, guitars, vintage vibe
Digital
Clean, precise, transparent
Modern production, precise timing
Analog
Warm, dark, degrading repeats
Synths, drums, lo-fi
Ping-Pong
Stereo bouncing effect
Wide stereo imaging
Delay Parameters
Feedback
- Low (10-20%): Single repeat
- Medium (30-50%): Multiple repeats
- High (60%+): Infinite repeats/self-oscillation
Mix/Blend
- 10-30%: Subtle thickening
- 30-50%: Noticeable effect
- 50%+: Dominant effect
Filtering
- High-pass: Clean up low-end mud
- Low-pass: Darken repeats
- Band-pass: Vintage/telephone effect
Creative Techniques
Slapback Delay
Short delay (80-150ms) with 1-2 repeats for 50s rockabilly or modern pop vocals.
Dotted 8th Note
Set to dotted 8th note timing for classic U2-style guitar delays.
Automation
Automate delay time for pitch-shifting effects or transitions.
BPM to MS Converter
Formula: 60,000 ÷ BPM = 1/4 note in ms
Example: 60,000 ÷ 120 BPM = 500ms (1/4 note)
For other note values: 1/8 = ÷2, 1/8T = ÷3, 1/16 = ÷4, etc.