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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

What You'll Need

TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Guitar Tuner Pedal

TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Guitar Tuner Pedal

$60-$804.7
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D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Light

$6-$104.7
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

$140-$1804.7
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TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Guitar Tuner Pedal

TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Guitar Tuner Pedal

$60-$804.7
View on Amazon

D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Light

$6-$104.7
View on Amazon

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

$140-$1804.7
View on Amazon

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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

Related Calculators

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Room Acoustics Calculator

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Setlist Timer Calculator

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Tempo & Delay Calculator

Calculate delay times in milliseconds from BPM. Get quarter, eighth, dotted, and triplet note values for perfectly synced delay, reverb, and modulation.

Reverb Time Calculator

Calculate room reverberation time (RT60) using the Sabine equation. Enter your room dimensions and surface materials to find acoustic decay and pre-delay.

Audio Bitrate Calculator

Calculate audio file size from bitrate and duration. Compare lossy MP3/AAC vs lossless FLAC/WAV formats and see how many songs fit on your storage device.

Related Resources

BPM Tap Calculator

Find tempo by tapping

Room Acoustics Calculator

Calculate reverb time RT60

Setlist Timer Calculator

Plan your live set duration

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 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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