1. What is RT60 and Pre-delay?

RT60 (reverberation time) is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB in a space. Pre-delay is the time between the direct sound and the first reflections in audio production, often synchronized to musical tempo.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( V \) — Volume in cubic feet
• \( a \) — Total absorption in sabins
• \( bpm \) — Tempo in beats per minute
• \( divisor \) — Note value (e.g., 4 for quarter notes)

Explanation: RT60 depends on room volume and absorption, while pre-delay is calculated from musical tempo and desired note division.

3. Importance of These Calculations

Details: RT60 helps in acoustic treatment decisions, while proper pre-delay settings ensure reverb effects are musically synchronized.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For RT60, measure room dimensions and estimate absorption. For pre-delay, use your song's BPM and desired note division (e.g., 8 for eighth notes).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good RT60 for a home studio?
A: Typically 0.2-0.4 seconds for small rooms, but depends on room size and usage.

Q2: How does pre-delay affect reverb?
A: It creates space between dry sound and reverb, improving clarity while maintaining ambiance.

Q3: What are common pre-delay settings?
A: Often 1/8th or 1/4th notes, but varies by musical style and tempo.

Q4: How accurate is the RT60 formula?
A: It's an estimation - actual measurements may vary due to complex room geometries.

Q5: Can I use milliseconds directly for pre-delay?
A: Yes, but tempo-synced delays often sound more musically coherent.