What is a Pre-Delay?

Pre-delay is a parameter in reverb processing that controls the amount of time between the original sound and the start of the reverberation.

When pre-delay is applied, the direct sound is heard first, followed shortly by the reverberated reflections. This small delay helps separate the original signal from the reverb effect, making the sound clearer and more defined.

Pre-delay is commonly used in mixing to prevent reverb from masking the main sound, especially with vocals, drums, and lead instruments. By adjusting the timing of the reverb, engineers can maintain clarity while still creating a sense of space and depth in the mix.