Group Delay Graphs
Group delay tells you how long different frequencies hang back. In bass, a little extra delay is normal. In the mids and highs, too much delay starts to sound slow or smeared.
Tiny Version
Low numbers are usually calm. Big spikes mean one note is arriving late. Bass can tolerate more delay than vocals and treble.
What To Notice Fast
- Tall bass spike - common around box tuning, cabin loading, or a strong room mode.
- Flat middle - usually a good sign that the system is not smearing voices and percussion.
- Sharp new rise near a crossover - often points to filter interaction, polarity trouble, or a steep alignment that needs review.
Practical Reading Rules
- Below 500 Hz, group delay up to roughly 15-20 ms is often tolerated.
- From 500 Hz to 2 kHz, problems become easier to hear once delay climbs above roughly 5-10 ms.
- Above 2 kHz, the ear gets much more sensitive. A few extra milliseconds can sound wrong fast.
Common Mistake
Do not panic just because the bass has more delay than the tweeter. That is normal. The real warning sign is a narrow, tall spike that lingers in a band where you can hear the smear.