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Delay Finder

The delay finder utility will compute the delay between the left and right channels.  This delay can be displayed in milliseconds, feet or meters.  Pressing the button labeled "Apply to Processing Delay" will then use this computed delay value as the new cross channel processing delay.  This processing delay is the same value as displayed in the <Options><Settings> dialog box.

Positive values mean that the left channel is delayed relative to the right channel.

Negative values mean that the right channel is delayed relative to the left channel.

The cross channel processing delay setting does not influence the value computed with the delay finder.

Options
Pressing the "Options" button on the delay finder utility panel will bring up additional options:

Display Delay Values In: - You can choose to display the delay value in milliseconds, feet or meters. 

Speed of Sound - The speed of sound is used to convert the delay value between milliseconds and feet or meters.  Because the speed of sound varies with temperature and pressure, you may want to customize this value to meet your conditions.  Typically the speed of sound at room temperature is 1130 ft/sec - this is the default value used by the program.

You can measure the actual speed of sound by making an initial measurement in milliseconds (T1) and then moving the microphone exactly one foot away and taking a second measurement (T2).  The speed of sound can then be computed as follows:

Speed of Sound (ft/sec) = 1000 / (T2 - T1)

Maximum Delay - This parameter controls the maximum resolvable delay.  Longer delays take more processing time.

Typical Operation

Connect a microphone to the left input channel.
Connect a sample of the mixer output signal to the right input channel.
Play a pink or white noise signal though the mixer.
Run the analyzer to start the delay finder.
Allow the measurement to settle for a moment.  The delay value should remain relatively constant.
Press the "Apply" button to use this delay value as the current processing setting.


Notes:
  • The delay finder will only operate in the Stereo mode; it will shut itself down if you are running in the Mono mode.
  • Program material (such as music) can be used instead of white or pink noise; however best results are obtained with a white or pink noise source.