What delay time should I use?

Use the quarter note value for standard slapback and the dotted eighth note for the classic rhythmic shimmer effect. Triplet values add a 3-against-2 polyrhythm feel. Choose based on the rhythm of the part.

Why sync delay to BPM?

Tempo-synced delay stays in the pocket of the groove. Unsynchronised delay either rushes or drags against the rhythm and adds mud rather than a clean sense of space.

What is the difference between delay and reverb?

Delay produces discrete repeats of the signal at set intervals. Reverb simulates the diffuse reflections of a room or space. Both can be synced to tempo for a tighter mix.

Delay Calculator

1/4, 1/8, dotted and triplet delay times.

artyphonic.com/tools/delay-calculatorFree · no sign-in

Find delay times that lock to your track tempo. Enter BPM and get standard, dotted, and triplet delay values for vocals, guitars, synths, drums, and tempo-synced effects.

Tempo-synced delay times

Live

Project tempo

BPM

6080100120140160180200

NoteNormalDotted (·)Triplet (3)

1/1 Whole1875.0 ms2812.5 ms1250.0 ms

1/2 Half937.5 ms1406.3 ms625.0 ms

1/4 Quarter468.8 ms703.1 ms312.5 ms

1/8 Eighth234.4 ms351.6 ms156.3 ms

1/16 Sixteenth117.2 ms175.8 ms78.1 ms

1/32 Thirty-second58.6 ms87.9 ms39.1 ms

Hz / Filter modulation

For LFOs synced to tempo

1/4 note (Hz)

2.133Hz

1/8 note (Hz)

4.267Hz

1/16 note (Hz)

8.533Hz

1 bar (Hz)

0.533Hz

How to use

Enter your project BPM, or drag the slider.
Match the delay time on your plugin to the column you want — Normal, Dotted, or Triplet.
For analogue plugins without sync, type the ms value directly.

Which to pick

1/4 normal — quarter note delay, classic dub & reggae.
1/8 dotted — the U2 / Edge sound, fills space without crowding.
1/16 triplet — fast, polyrhythmic feel for hi-hats and arps.
1/2 dotted — ambient pads, washes of texture.

The math

Quarter = 60,000 ÷ BPM (in ms)

Dotted = note × 1.5. Triplet = note × ⅔.

Frequently asked questions

What delay time should I use?: Use the quarter note value for standard slapback and the dotted eighth note for the classic rhythmic shimmer effect. Triplet values add a 3-against-2 polyrhythm feel. Choose based on the rhythm of the part.
Why sync delay to BPM?: Tempo-synced delay stays in the pocket of the groove. Unsynchronised delay either rushes or drags against the rhythm and adds mud rather than a clean sense of space.
What is the difference between delay and reverb?: Delay produces discrete repeats of the signal at set intervals. Reverb simulates the diffuse reflections of a room or space. Both can be synced to tempo for a tighter mix.

The full product · 2026

This is one of fourteen free tools.
The studio is the rest.

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How to use

Which to pick

The math

Frequently asked questions

This is one of fourteen free tools.The studio is the rest.

This is one of fourteen free tools.
The studio is the rest.