What Are Delay Times?
Delay is an audio effect that records a signal and plays it back after a set period of time. When that time is synchronized to your track's tempo, the echoes become rhythmic and musical rather than random.
Understanding Note Values
Delay times are typically expressed as note values relative to your tempo:
- 1/1 (Whole Note): 4 beats - creates long, spacious echoes
- 1/2 (Half Note): 2 beats - rhythmic but still relaxed
- 1/4 (Quarter Note): 1 beat - the most common delay time
- 1/8 (Eighth Note): Half a beat - creates tighter rhythmic patterns
- 1/16 (Sixteenth Note): Quarter beat - rapid echoes for texture
- 1/32 (Thirty-second Note): Very short - creates thickening effects
Dotted and Triplet Variations
Beyond standard note values, two variations add rhythmic interest:
Dotted Notes (1.5x)
A dotted note is 1.5 times the length of the regular note. This creates a "ping-pong" or shuffle feel that's popular in many genres. Dotted eighth notes (dotted 1/8) are particularly common in rock and country music.
Triplet Notes (2/3x)
Triplet notes divide the beat into three equal parts instead of two. This creates a swinging, waltz-like feel. Triplet delays work well in 6/8 time signatures or when you want a more fluid, organic echo.
Practical Tips for Using Delays
1. Match the Genre
- EDM/Dance: 1/4 or 1/8 note delays for rhythmic precision
- Ambient/Chill: Longer delays (1/2 or 1/1) for spaciousness
- Rock/Pop: Dotted 1/8 for the classic slapback effect
2. Use Feedback Wisely
Feedback controls how many times the delay repeats. Low feedback (1-3 repeats) keeps things clean, while high feedback creates evolving textures but can muddy the mix.
3. Filter the Delays
Many producers filter the delayed signal (cutting highs and lows) to keep echoes from competing with the dry signal. This creates a more "vintage" delay sound.
The Formula
If you ever need to calculate manually:
Delay (ms) = (60,000 ÷ BPM) × Note Multiplier
Where Note Multiplier is:
- 1/1 = 4
- 1/2 = 2
- 1/4 = 1
- 1/8 = 0.5
- 1/16 = 0.25
For dotted notes, multiply by 1.5. For triplets, multiply by 2/3.