Pre-delay Ideal (ms)
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
About this calculator
The 'Ideal Pre-delay (ms)' calculator helps determine the optimal pre-delay time (in milliseconds) for reverb effects in audio mixing. It uses the song's BPM (beats per minute) to calculate a value corresponding to an eighth note in the music's tempo. For example, at 120 BPM, an eighth note lasts 250 ms. This value serves as a starting point for setting pre-delay, preventing reverb from overlapping excessively with the original sound.
The calculation divides the total time of an eighth note in half (e.g., 60 seconds / BPM = eighth note duration). This ensures the reverb starts after a time interval proportional to the beat, creating sonic space without blurring the sound. It's particularly useful in drum, vocal, and percussion mixing, where reverb timing directly affects clarity.
To use, input the song's BPM and get the ms value. Note that context matters: some genres prefer shorter pre-delays for intimacy, while others like rock and jazz may use longer values for depth. The result is a guideline, experimentation is key to the ideal sound.
Frequently asked questions
How does BPM affect the calculated pre-delay?
BPM defines the eighth-note duration. Higher BPM results in shorter pre-delay as the tempo is faster.
Is the result fixed or can I adjust it?
It's a starting point. Depending on the genre, you may shorten or lengthen the value to enhance sound clarity.
Does it work for all reverb types?
Yes, but some reverb algorithms (like digital ones) might need additional adjustments to size or density.
Why use pre-delay in mixing?
It separates the original sound from the reverb, preventing muddiness and helping to position the instrument in the sonic space.