Answer First: The Master Audio Conversion Equations
// 1. Beat duration in milliseconds (Time Base)
Quarter Note (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM
// 2. Converting Milliseconds to LFO Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
Frequency (Hz) = 1,000 ÷ Period (ms) = BPM ÷ 60
Quarter Note (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM
// 2. Converting Milliseconds to LFO Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
Frequency (Hz) = 1,000 ÷ Period (ms) = BPM ÷ 60
1. Syncing Compressor Attack and Release Times
A compressor whose release time recovers randomly fights against the groove of the rhythm section. Setting compressor release to match an 8th or 16th note subdivision ensures the gain reduction meter "breathes" in perfect synchronization with the song tempo:
- Drum Bus Compressor: Set release to an 1/8th note (e.g.,
250 ms at 120 BPM) so the compression releases just before the next beat strikes. - Bass Sidechain Ducking: Set release to a 1/16th note (e.g.,
125 ms at 120 BPM) so the bass volume recovers right after the kick transient clears.
2. Syncing Modulation LFOs (Tremolo, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser)
When an analog tremolo or filter sweep pedal requires a frequency input in Hertz (Hz) rather than musical note subdivisions, use this direct conversion table:
| Musical Note Rate | Formula | @ 120 BPM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bar (1/1 Whole) | BPM ÷ 240 | 0.50 Hz | Slow auto-pan sweeps, ambient flangers |
| 1/2 Note | BPM ÷ 120 | 1.00 Hz | Classic vintage rotary speaker / chorus |
| 1/4 Note | BPM ÷ 60 | 2.00 Hz | Pumping sidechain tremolo, rhythmic phaser |
| 1/8 Note | BPM ÷ 30 | 4.00 Hz | Fast synth gate, intense tremolo chop |
3. Syncing Time-Based Processors (Reverb & Delay)
For delay repeats and reverb pre-delays, precision millisecond alignment prevents phase cancellation:
- Reverb Pre-Delay: Use a 1/64th or 1/128th note duration via our Pre-Delay Calculator.
- Reverb Decay (RT60): Match the decay time to a 1-bar or 2-bar cycle via our Decay Calculator.
- Stereo Delays: Set the left channel to 1/8 note and the right channel to dotted 1/8 note using our BPM Delay Calculator for massive stereo width.
Master Any Tempo in Seconds
Convert any BPM into all fractional, dotted, and triplet millisecond durations instantly with our BPM to Milliseconds Calculator.