Delays the connected audio signal (or control signal) by a specified duration. That is, it makes the output signal lag behind the input signal on purpose.
The Delay Node is special in that you can use it in a feedback chain to process a signal in a loop, and re-route a signal back into itself. For example, this is useful for building a custom echo effect. Note, that using a Gain Node or equivalent in the feedback circle is essentially required. Otherwise the signal will pretty much immediately overdrive itself. Consequently, feedback chains are only possible using a Delay Node.
Another unique feature of the Delay Node is that, when the delay time changes, it will introduce sudden (but temporary) pitch changes. This is also true when the delay time is automated, which can be used to produce interesting rhythmic effects. This is essentially a simple version of the DJ scratching effect.
Inputs
Audio/Control Input
An audio or control signal to delay.
Delay-Time Control Input
A control signal to automate the Delay Time setting. Minimum supported value is 0. For the maximum supported value, see the Technical Details section. You can toggle this input from the Node’s properties, and is not enabled by default.
Settings
Delay Time
Sets the delay duration in seconds (or beats, if you have the BPM affects delay setting enabled).
When you change the delay time for a currently audible signal, it can cause a sudden, temporary increase or decrease in pitch. You can emphasize this effect a lot by using a continuously changing delay time automation signal.
When the Delay Node is in a feedback chain, the minimum value of Delay Time is equivalent to 128 samples (approximately 2.667 milliseconds at 48 kHz).
BPM Affects Delay
If enabled, use beats instead of seconds for the delay time. For example, this can be useful when using the Delay Node to produce an echoing rhythm.
Outputs
Audio/Control Output
Same as the input signal, except it lags behind by the specified duration.
Technical Details
This Node requires using an internal buffer to hold the delayed signal. This internal buffer is 4 seconds in duration initially, and is automatically incremented by 4 seconds steps when needed. The maximum supported value by the Delay-time control input is clamped to this internal value as well.
This is only relevant when the BPM is set to a value lower than 60, otherwise the maximum delay possible is never above 4 seconds. When this internal buffer length is increased, a minor click might be heard occasionally in real-time playback mode.