# Reverb pre-delay Pre-delay can make the reverb sound far away and the dry source close. This can create depth for a vocal.[^1] You can calculate pre-delay according to BPM with an equation or with [this website](https://www.tuneform.com/tools/time-tempo-bpm-to-milliseconds-ms). Timing your pre-delay can help add groove.[^2] You can also this in spatial, rather than rhythmic terms. See [[How to use delay to create a virtual space]]. Otherwise, you can just use what feels good. Marc Daniel Nelson uses 70, 120, and 200ms. He also automates pre-delays to heighten the scene.[^1] 70 ms was Ken Caillat's favorite. Marc Daniel Nelson cautions against timing the pre-delay to the tempo.[^3] Doing so may cause it to feel unrealistic or cause the pre-delay to get lost in the rhythm of the song, if you want the effect of the pre-delay. By sending instrument groups to different pre-delays and returning to one room reverb, you can create a soundstage. Warren Huart uses longer pre-delays for farther away sounds, as if they were arriving to a room mic at different times.[^4] [^1]: [The Mystery of Predelay, SOLVED! - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDndYFhuqI8) [^2]: [10 Priceless Tricks From 10 Famous Music Producers - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhrFibaNNfY) [^3]: [EVERYTHING you need to know about REVERB - Free Course with Marc D. Nelson Produce Like A Pro - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRLWsOzohQA) [^4]: [The Best Old School Reverb Trick? - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvktYptRUJA)