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Audio Delay Calculator — BPM to Milliseconds for Delay & Echo

Convert any BPM to precise delay times for every note value

Quarter Note

500 ms

BPM

120

Hz

2

Quarter Note Delay

500

milliseconds

Delay Times

NoteStraightDottedTriplet
Whole (1/1)2000 ms3000 ms1333.33 ms
Half (1/2)1000 ms1500 ms666.67 ms
Quarter (1/4)500 ms750 ms333.33 ms
Eighth (1/8)250 ms375 ms166.67 ms
Sixteenth (1/16)125 ms187.5 ms83.33 ms
Thirty-second (1/32)62.5 ms93.75 ms41.67 ms

Example Calculations

1120 BPM Quarter Note Delay

Inputs

BPM120
Note ValueQuarter (1/4)

Result

Delay Time500 ms

60,000 / 120 = 500 ms per quarter note.

2140 BPM Dotted Eighth Delay

Inputs

BPM140
Note ValueDotted Eighth

Result

Delay Time321.4 ms

Quarter = 60,000/140 = 428.6ms. Eighth = 214.3ms. Dotted eighth = 214.3 × 1.5 = 321.4 ms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I calculate delay time from BPM?

Quarter note delay in ms = 60,000 / BPM. At 120 BPM: 60,000 / 120 = 500 ms. Halve for eighth notes (250 ms), double for half notes (1000 ms). Dotted = straight × 1.5. Triplet = straight × 2/3.

  • Quarter note = 60,000 / BPM
  • Eighth note = quarter / 2
  • Dotted = straight × 1.5
  • Triplet = straight × 2/3
  • At 120 BPM: quarter = 500ms, eighth = 250ms
Note Value100 BPM120 BPM140 BPM
Quarter600 ms500 ms428.6 ms
Eighth300 ms250 ms214.3 ms
Dotted 8th450 ms375 ms321.4 ms
Sixteenth150 ms125 ms107.1 ms
Q

What is a dotted delay?

A dotted note is 1.5× the straight value. Dotted eighth = 375 ms at 120 BPM (vs 250 ms straight). This is the classic U2/Edge delay sound and creates a bouncing rhythmic feel between beats.

  • Dotted = straight × 1.5
  • Most common: dotted eighth note delay
  • Creates rhythmic bounce between beats
  • Classic sound: U2 "Where The Streets Have No Name"
  • Works in both mono and stereo delay
Q

What delay times work best for different genres?

Rock/pop: dotted eighth (375ms at 120 BPM). Ambient: quarter or half note. Dub/reggae: dotted quarter with high feedback. Electronic: sixteenth with ping-pong. Slapback: 60-120ms single repeat.

  • Rock/Pop: dotted 8th (300-400ms)
  • Ambient: quarter to half note (500-1000ms)
  • Dub/Reggae: dotted quarter, high feedback
  • Country: short slapback (60-120ms)
  • EDM: 16th note with feedback and filter
Q

What is a good pre-delay for reverb?

Pre-delay separates the dry signal from reverb onset. For clarity in vocals: 20-50ms. For natural room feel: 10-30ms. For large halls: 50-100ms. Match to tempo by using note-value divisions.

  • Vocals: 20-50ms pre-delay for clarity
  • Drums: 10-30ms for natural ambience
  • Orchestral: 40-80ms for hall depth
  • Use 1/64 or 1/32 note values at song tempo
  • Too much pre-delay sounds disconnected

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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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