Audio Delay Time Calculator

Sound is ~343 m/s. Extra path / 343 × 1000 is milliseconds to type into the AVR distance or delay field.

Inputs

Units

Results

Delay: 3.50ms
Samples at 48 kHz: 167.9

Recommended gear

AV receiver with DSP delay
Enter distances; the AVR converts to ms.
Audyssey / YPAO / Dirac
Calibration microphone
Let the auto-setup measure instead of guessing.
UMIK-1

Calculation method

t_ms = (Δd / 343) × 1000. Samples at 48 kHz = t × 48.

Exact formula

t = Δd / 343. Limits: 20 °C air, no DSP latency, no video-lag compensation.

Frequently asked questions

Why 343?

Speed of sound near 20 °C. 1 ms is about 34 cm.

Positive or negative?

Delay the speakers that are closer so they wait for the farther ones.

Auto-setup?

Prefer a measurement. This is for a missing surround or a DIY DSP.

Disclaimer — no professional advice, no liability

AVR “distance” fields already do this. Use the extra path between a surround and the mains, not the full room length twice.

These calculators, pages and any related content are provided “as is” and “as available”, solely for general educational and informational purposes. They are simplified mathematical estimates, not a calibrated SPL meter, an acoustic report or an electrical design, and they do not constitute professional AV, acoustic or electrical advice.

Results can be wrong, incomplete or inapplicable to your speakers, receiver, room, projector, screen or wiring. You must independently verify every figure, assume all risk, and confirm with measurement and the manufacturer specs before a job that can damage drivers, trip a breaker, drop a display or injure someone.

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Audio Delay Time Calculator

Inputs

Results

Recommended gear

Calculation method

Exact formula

Frequently asked questions

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