Skip to content

Reverb & Delay Time Calculator (BPM to Milliseconds)

Free online BPM to ms converter. Convert any BPM to precise millisecond values for delay pedals, reverb pre-delay, and decay times.

Delay Time Calculator & Reverb Pre-Delay Tool

BPM

Delay Times

Reverb Pre-Delay & Decay

Pro Tip: Press Space anywhere on the page to tap the tempo of your track. The delay and reverb values update instantly.

Don't know your track's BPM? Tap it out first using our Free Tap Tempo Calculator.

Why Sync Reverb and Delay to Your Track's BPM?

Syncing your reverb and delay times to the BPM of your track is one of the most important techniques in audio engineering. When effects are mathematically aligned to the tempo, they create a sense of space that feels natural and cohesive rather than muddy.

A muddy mix often comes from reverb tails that clash with the next beat. By calculating the exact millisecond values for your BPM, you ensure that decay times fade out perfectly before the next snare or kick drum hit. This preserves vocal clarity while still giving your track depth and dimension.

Similarly, delay times that drift even 1–2ms from the grid will gradually fall out of sync, creating an unnatural echo. Using a BPM to ms converter eliminates guesswork and gives you exact values for every note subdivision.

How to Calculate Reverb Pre-Delay and Decay Times

Use our reverb pre delay calculator above to find the exact millisecond values for your track. Reverb pre-delay is the gap between the dry signal and when the reverb tail begins. Syncing this to a short note value (like 1/64th or 1/128th note) keeps the vocal transient clean before the reverb washes in.

To calculate reverb decay time, match the decay to a half note, whole note, or even 2 bars depending on the tempo and desired effect. A longer decay creates a larger sense of space, while a shorter decay keeps things tight and controlled.

Pro Tip: At 120 BPM, a 1/64th note pre-delay is about 31ms — short enough to preserve clarity but long enough to add depth. For vocals, aim for 20–40ms pre-delay.

Standard Delay Time Subdivisions Explained

Delay times are based on musical note subdivisions relative to your BPM. Here are the most common:

  • Quarter Note (1/4): The beat itself — 60,000 ÷ BPM
  • Eighth Note (1/8): Half a beat — divide quarter note by 2
  • Triplet: Three notes in the space of two — multiply by 2/3
  • Dotted Eighth: 1.5× an eighth note — great for rhythmic patterns

The Dotted Eighth Note Delay

The dotted 8th delay time is famous for creating rhythmic, cascading echoes. Guitarists know it well — The Edge from U2 pioneered this sound on "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You."

At 120 BPM, a dotted eighth delay is approximately 375ms. This creates a galloping rhythm that fills the space between beats without cluttering the mix.

The Formula for Converting BPM to Milliseconds (ms)

Quarter Note (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM

The fundamental formula for all delay time and reverb calculations

From this base value, you can derive any subdivision:

  • Eighth Note = Quarter Note ÷ 2
  • Sixteenth Note = Quarter Note ÷ 4
  • Dotted Eighth = Eighth Note × 1.5
  • Triplet = Quarter Note × 2/3
  • Half Note = Quarter Note × 2
  • Whole Note = Quarter Note × 4

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good reverb pre-delay time for vocals?

A good vocal reverb pre-delay usually falls between 20ms and 60ms, which often translates to a 1/64th or 1/128th note depending on your track's BPM. Syncing this mathematically ensures the vocal transient cuts through the mix clearly before the reverb tail begins.

How do you calculate a dotted 8th note delay?

To find a dotted 8th note delay, first calculate your quarter note in milliseconds (60,000 ÷ BPM). Divide that number by 2 to get the standard 8th note, and then multiply by 1.5. This creates the classic rhythmic galloping echo frequently used by guitarists.

How long should my reverb decay time be?

Your reverb decay time should ideally be synced to the tempo of your song to prevent a muddy mix. Common decay lengths are exactly one half-note or one full bar. Using a BPM to ms converter allows you to set your decay time so it fades out perfectly right before the next snare or kick drum hit.

How do I convert BPM to milliseconds manually?

The standard formula for converting Beats Per Minute (BPM) to milliseconds is 60,000 divided by the BPM. The resulting number gives you the exact length of one quarter note in milliseconds (ms).