Live Sound Delay Calculator

How It Works

Delay speakers (delay towers) extend sound coverage for large audiences. The key principle is time alignment: the delay speaker must reproduce the sound at the same time (or slightly after) the direct sound from the main PA arrives at that location. The Haas effect (precedence effect) means listeners perceive sound as coming from the first source they hear, as long as the delayed copy arrives within ~35ms. Adding 10-15ms of extra delay beyond the calculated time ensures the audience perceives the main PA as the source while the delay speaker reinforces the level. Temperature affects the speed of sound — warmer air = faster propagation (~1.1 ft/s per degree F). Always re-check delays during soundcheck at actual venue temperature.