How do you sync delay time to the tempo and groove of your FL Studio project?

1 Delay plugins

FL Studio offers several delay plugins to create various kinds of delay effects. Delay 3 is a stereo delay with left and right channels, feedback, modulation, filtering, and panning controls. Fruity Delay 2 is a basic mono delay with feedback, filtering, and time offset controls. Fruity Delay Bank has 8 independent delay lines with feedback, filtering, panning, and volume controls. Fruity Delay 3 features tempo sync, ping-pong mode, ducking, filtering, and distortion controls. To use any of these plugins, insert them on the mixer track of the sound you want to apply delay to or route the sound to a dedicated delay bus as a send effect.

2 Delay time

The delay time is the amount of time between the original sound and the delayed sound. You can set the delay time manually by adjusting the knob or slider on the plugin, or you can sync it to the tempo and groove of your FL Studio project by using the note value buttons. These buttons let you choose a fraction of a beat as the delay time, such as 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc. For example, if your project tempo is 120 BPM and you choose 1/4 as the delay time, the delay will repeat every 500 ms (0.5 seconds).

To calculate the delay time in milliseconds based on the tempo and note value, you can use this formula:

Delay time (ms) = 60,000 / (Tempo x Note value)

For example, if your tempo is 120 BPM and your note value is 1/8, the delay time will be:

Delay time (ms) = 60,000 / (120 x 0.125) = 250 ms

3 Delay feedback

The delay feedback is the amount of delayed sound that is fed back into the input of the delay plugin. This creates a repeating echo effect that can be subtle or intense depending on the feedback level. You can adjust the feedback knob or slider on the plugin to increase or decrease the feedback amount. A low feedback level will create a short and smooth echo, while a high feedback level will create a long and resonant echo. Be careful not to set the feedback too high, as this can cause the delay to self-oscillate and create unwanted noise.

4 Delay modulation

The delay modulation is the variation of the delay time and pitch that is applied to the delayed sound. This creates a chorus-like effect that can add movement and richness to the delay. You can adjust the modulation rate and depth knobs or sliders on the plugin to control the speed and intensity of the modulation. A low modulation rate and depth will create a subtle and smooth modulation, while a high modulation rate and depth will create a fast and dramatic modulation. You can also use the modulation phase knob or slider to adjust the phase difference between the left and right channels of the delay.

5 Delay filtering

The delay filtering is the application of a low-pass or high-pass filter to the delayed sound. This can affect the tone and character of the delay by removing or enhancing certain frequencies. You can adjust the filter cutoff and resonance knobs or sliders on the plugin to control the frequency and sharpness of the filter. A low filter cutoff will create a dark and warm delay, while a high filter cutoff will create a bright and crisp delay. You can also use the filter type buttons to switch between low-pass and high-pass filters.

6 Delay styles

By combining different settings of delay time, feedback, modulation, and filtering, you can create distinct delay styles that are suitable for various genres and sounds. For instance, a slapback delay can be achieved by using a short delay time (50-150 ms), low feedback level (10-20%), no modulation, and high filter cutoff. To create a ping-pong delay, a medium delay time (250-500 ms), medium feedback level (30-50%), no modulation, and low filter cutoff should be used. Additionally, enable the ping-pong mode on the plugin if available. A dub delay is created with a long delay time (500-1000 ms), high feedback level (70-90%), low modulation rate and depth (10-20%), and low filter cutoff. Additionally, use a low-pass filter with high resonance to make a feedback loop.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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