Delay times from BPM — note lengths producers use

Convert tempo into milliseconds for delays, reverbs, and sidechain feel.

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The basic formula

One beat in milliseconds ≈ 60000 ÷ BPM.

Example: 120 BPM → 60000 ÷ 120 = 500 ms per quarter note.

NoteMultiplierAt 120 BPM
1/41 × beat500 ms
1/80.5 × beat250 ms
1/160.25 × beat125 ms
Dotted 1/80.75 × beat375 ms
Triplet 1/81/3 × beat~167 ms

How to use this with BPMfinder

  1. Detect BPM on app.html.
  2. Compute 60000 ÷ BPM for the quarter-note length.
  3. Multiply for the note value you want.
  4. Enter that value into your delay plugin.

Some tools show delay tables automatically. The math stays the same whether you calculate by hand or use a helper.

Musical warning

Perfect grid delays can sound robotic on human performances. Use tempo-synced values as a starting point, then nudge by ear. Production is still listening first.