The delay is used in every mix. Yes, I can write it that way. Only the exceptions prove the rule 🙂
The delay is next to the reverb a very popular time-processing effect that splits the mix in depth, gives a signal width or simply makes the signal more interesting. Only from a delay of 30 milliseconds we speak of an echo. With lower values the signals are not perceived as separated.
This temporal offset of the signals used to be achieved with a tape, in which the signal recorded on tape was fed back with a time delay. In today’s digital world, we achieve this effect with tools in the box. It is to this modern type that we devote this article.
The most important parameters of delay are time, feedback, pre-delay and reverb time.
Time
The delay time in milliseconds. For digital effects, the delay time is always a multiple of the sampling frequency. With 44100 samples this is 22.7 µs between each sample.
Feedback
Describes the magnitude of the output signal that is sent back to the input of the device.
Pre-Delay
Delay from direct signal to the first incoming reflection.
Reverb-Time
Reverb time is also referred to as RT60. Describes the time between the decrease of the direct signal until the pressure drops to one thousandth of the initial pressure. High frequencies lose energy faster than low frequencies.
Diffusion can still be used to determine how much additional reflection should be added to the signal.
With a few tips we can make your recorded voice shine. A popular helper is the
Slap-Delay
With a short delay of 50-150ms the signal is fed back with a very short feedback. With this effect you make the voice stand out even more and in a stereo delay version the voice seems broader in the mix.
Automation
Automation can be used to emphasize specific phrases, make the chorus more concise, or fill space in a quiet part. To do this, simply use automation on the entire volume of the effect channel, the feedback knob, or other parameters of the device. For example, in the chorus, the treble of the delay can be cut less to bring brilliance to this dynamic part.
