Speaker Arrival-Time Alignment Calculator
How much delay makes two measured acoustic path lengths arrive together at one listening point?
Method, formula and assumptions
Delay in milliseconds = (longer path - shorter path) / sound speed x 1000. Convert to samples using sample rate, round to the nearest sample, then report the timing error from that quantization.
Input definitions and supported units
- Shorter acoustic path (m): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 1000; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
- Longer acoustic path (m): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0.01 to 1000; must be positive.
- Assumed sound speed (m/s): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 100 to 500; must be positive.
- Sample rate (Hz): Whole-number count, from 8000 to 384000; must be positive.
Worked example with answer
Paths of 3 and 6.4 m at 340 m/s differ by 3.4 m: delay the nearer source 10 ms. At 48,000 Hz that is 480 samples with 0 ms rounding error.
How to use the results
Apply the delay only to the shorter path in an ideal timing model. Quantization shows whether the chosen sample grid can express the required alignment.
Results retain full precision internally and display up to four decimal places. Very small nonzero results use scientific notation rather than appearing as zero. Check the labels before comparing values across units.
Limitations and references
Acoustic path length is not necessarily tape-measured cabinet distance. DSP, crossover and transducer phase introduce additional delay; verify at the intended listening point.
The method is a self-contained arithmetic, geometric or explicitly stated mathematical model. There are no imported tariffs, empirical presets or equipment specifications; measured values and allowances must come from your own process.
Related planning tools
Creator & reviewers
Creator persona
- Casey RowanUnits, conversions & measurement
Reviewer personas
- Devon ShawFormula & assumptions review
- Sage MitchellClarity & usability review