Sound Delay Microphone Alignment Calculator

Method, example, and limits

Formula: Signed path difference (B − A) = propagation speed × (arrival time at B − A). Convert milliseconds to seconds before multiplying.

Inputs and units: A positive time difference means microphone A received the sound earlier than B; delay A by that difference to align arrivals. Negative means B arrived first, so delay B.

Worked example: Enter B−A = +2 ms and a propagation speed of 343 m/s to get signed path difference +0.686 m; microphone A is earlier and the matching delay is 2 ms. The speed field intentionally starts blank—343 m/s is only this example, not a hidden medium preset.

Assumptions: The signal arrival difference is measured consistently and the user-provided propagation speed applies to the path. Timing and speed are treated as exact inputs; no uncertainty or frequency-dependent phase behavior is modeled.

Limits: Do not infer a propagation speed from this tool: enter one appropriate to the actual medium and conditions. Real alignment may depend on reflections, microphone response, source geometry, and frequency; this is a time/path relation only.