BEATTIMING
Tempo-aware space

Reverb timing calculator

Calculate tempo-related pre-delay and decay starting points that leave space for the original sound.

Pre-delay starting points
Tight31.25 ms
Clear62.50 ms
Spacious125.00 ms
Rhythmic250.00 ms
Decay starting points
Half beat250.00 ms
One beat500.00 ms
Two beats1000.0 ms
One 4/4 bar2000.0 ms

These are tempo-related starting points, not mix rules. Adjust by ear for the source, arrangement and reverb algorithm.

Formula

How to calculate tempo-based reverb timing

Tempo divisions give repeatable starting points for reverb pre-delay and decay. Short subdivisions can separate the dry transient from the reverb onset, while longer beat or bar values can help a tail end near a musical boundary.

timing value (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM × rhythmic multiplier

  1. 01

    Pre-delay separates the dry transient from the reverb and can improve clarity.

  2. 02

    Use the short values as starting points, then adjust by ear for the source and room character.

  3. 03

    Tempo-related decay values can help a reverb tail clear before the next important phrase.

Worked example

Example: reverb timing at 120 BPM

At 120 BPM, a 1/64-note starting point is 31.25 ms, a 1/32 note is 62.5 ms, and one 4/4 bar is 2,000 ms. A short value can guide pre-delay; a longer value can guide a decay time.

Good to know

Assumptions and limits

  • These are musical starting points, not rules for a specific room or source.
  • A reverb plugin's decay control may describe RT60 rather than the exact moment its tail becomes silent.
  • Final pre-delay and decay settings should be checked in the full mix.
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Is there one correct pre-delay setting?

No. Tempo gives useful starting points, while the source, arrangement and desired depth determine the final setting.

What does a longer pre-delay do?

It creates more separation between the dry sound and the reverb onset, often making the source feel closer and clearer.

Should every reverb use the same timing?

Not necessarily. Related rhythmic values can unify a mix while different spaces may need different decay lengths.