Updated Time Alignment Calculator and explanation video

I recently updated my site to include the Time Delay calculator previously on tracerite.com and added both Temperature and Humidity inputs so you can get time delay values with ambient conditions. In order to kick that off I made a short(ish) video on Time Alignment, what it is and how to use it along with how to use my site. Most of you will already know what you're doing but I wanted it to be a way for newcomers to get an idea of what it is. Hope you all find the video and/or updated site useful. And another thank you to Robert McIntosh for his help with the calculator.


https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/timedelaycalc/


https://youtu.be/Ys7oylGGcgk

Tell Layla that uncle Al said good job on the music :thumbup:

That's an awesome explanation of T/A and amplitude, thanks for posting it up. I'm curious how far you have to move out of the "sweet spot" before you start noticing major changes to your phantom image.

Excellent post / video.

Thanks Erin

Great, great stuff! Thanks for another quality contribution.

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Originally Posted by BigAl205

Tell Layla that uncle Al said good job on the music :thumbup:

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Good stuff - thank you!

Ok, stupid question time... :-)

1. When measuring the distances, do you measure to the "center point" of your listening position (center of head) from all speakers or is it better to measure from the left speakers to your left ear and the right speakers to your right ear?
2. For those of us that like rear speakers, should we do anything "special" for the rear speaker delays or just use the actual distance?
3. For those of us with under-seat subwoofers, should we do anything "special" being that the sub is very close to us - or just use the actual distance?

Thanks again - appreciate your work!!

Great refresher Erin and I'm glad you brought up the disclaimer for the crossover dependent time alignment. I've had it work great but I've also had it work not so great and ended up just doing the midbass by ear. For whatever reason dedicated midbass speakers can be a real bear to get dialed in.

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Originally Posted by jtrosky

Good stuff - thank you!

Ok, stupid question time... :-)

1. When measuring the distances, do you measure to the "center point" of your listening position (center of head) from all speakers or is it better to measure from the left speakers to your left ear and the right speakers to your right ear?
2. For those of us that like rear speakers, should we do anything "special" for the rear speaker delays or just use the actual distance?
3. For those of us with under-seat subwoofers, should we do anything "special" being that the sub is very close to us - or just use the actual distance?

Thanks again - appreciate your work!!

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1) Center of your head is fine
2) You don't have to do anything. But I would still add additional delay (whatever is appropriate to get the rear 'fill' effect; usually 10-20ms is typical in car audio; but I'd recommend more if you can)
3) Use actual distance


Speed of sound only cares about distance. The only reason I have the crossover stuff is to use time delay to try to act like a variable phase adjustment but that isn't really the best way. The best way is to set delays by distance and then use an all-pass filter or variable phase to correct for phase alignment.