I’m a beatmaker. Teach me how to use a delay effect.

Delay is a commonly used effect in music production and sound design. This effect generates time-delayed copies (echoes) of an input audio source. Delay has many variations and applications, so there are several points to consider when using it.

Basic Parameters

1. Time / Rate: Sets the amount of time the signal is delayed. Usually adjustable in milliseconds or in sync with the beat.
2. Feedback / Regen: Controls how many times the delay repeats.
3. Mix / Wet–Dry: Balances the original sound (dry) and the delayed sound (wet).

Points of Use

1. Rhythm and Timing: You can use delay to create complex rhythms or to add space within a song.
2. Sense of Space: Short delay times (30ms – 50ms) can add width and depth to instruments or sounds.
3. Delay Texture: High feedback settings can generate multi-layered textures, which can be useful for creating ambient music or soundscapes.
4. Musical Emphasis: Delay can also be used to emphasize specific musical elements, such as a guitar solo or a vocal phrase.

Advanced Techniques

1. Ping Pong Delay: A delay that bounces between the left and right channels in the stereo field.
2. Slapback Delay: A delay with a very short time and low feedback. Often used in rock and country music.
3. Tape Delay: Mimics analog tape delays for a more natural, warmer sound.

Caveats

• Excessive use of delay can clutter a mix, especially if there are many repeats or high feedback.
• Be careful with the balance of the delay to avoid muddying your mix.

These are some of the basic ways to use delay and things to consider. Depending on your purposes, delay can be used creatively in a multitude of ways.