What is Delay in Cryo Mix?
TL;DR: Delay adds echo to your audio. Turning up the Delay slider increases how noticeable the repeats are - from subtle depth to obvious repeating echoes.
The Delay setting in Cryo Mix adds a clear echo effect by creating repeats of the original sound that play back a moment later - like shouting into a canyon: “Hello… hello… hello…”.
Delay is different from Reverb:
- Delay = distinct, audible repeats (echoes you can often pick out)
- Reverb = a smooth “wash” of many tiny reflections (a room-like ambience)
Delay is a modern mixing secret weapon because it can add space, depth, and movement without making the mix feel overly “washed out.” It mainly shapes the sense of space, depth, and rhythm - not the core loudness or tone.
- The goal: clean space, rhythm, and movement
- The slider: controls how present the echoes feel (subtle → obvious)
When to use Delay in Cryo Mix
Use Delay whenever you want to:
Add depth and space
Make vocals, guitars, keys, or synths feel like they sit slightly behind the main focus instead of right in your face.
Create atmospheric textures
Higher Delay can turn simple parts into ambient, spacey trails - great for backing vocals, pads, and ad-libs.
Enhance groove and rhythm
On rhythmic parts (guitars, keys, percussion), Delay can reinforce the groove by repeating notes in time with the beat.
Thicken sparse arrangements
If a mix feels empty or dry, a bit of Delay on lead elements can fill gaps without adding more instruments.
Works well on:
- Vocals – subtle depth on leads, lush trails on backing vocals/ad-libs
- Guitars & keys – classic slapback or rhythmic echo for movement
- Synths & pads – dreamy echoes for electronic and cinematic styles
- FX & one-shots – smoother “trail off” instead of abrupt stops
Pro tips & creative uses
Use Delay instead of only reverb for clarity
A short, subtle Delay can add depth without washing out the sound the way heavy reverb can.
Push sounds back in the mix
Want a part to feel less “in your face”?
- Turn the Delay slider up slightly so echoes trail behind the dry sound
- The source feels more blended and sits further back
Create atmospheric backing layers
- Add more Delay to backing vocals, ad-libs, or synth plucks
- Echoes create a soft, spacey layer behind the lead
Add rhythmic movement
On guitars, synths, or piano:
- Use moderate Delay so repeats feel like they “bounce” with the groove
- This can make the track feel more energetic and alive
Create contrast between lead and background
- Keep lead vocals/instruments at lower Delay for clarity and focus
- Use higher Delay on background parts to add depth and width
Shape the echoes with Highs / Lows
If the echo feels:
- Too bright → reduce Highs slightly
- Too boomy/muddy → reduce Lows slightly
This keeps repeats smooth and less distracting.
Common mistakes & how to fix them
Mistake 1: The mix sounds messy or “crowded”
- Cause: Too much Delay across multiple elements
- Fix: Lower Delay on key leads; use stronger Delay on only 1–2 supporting parts
Mistake 2: Vocals or instruments sound far away
- Cause: Delay too high on main elements
- Fix: Reduce Delay on lead vocals/instruments until they feel upfront again
Mistake 3: Echo is distracting between phrases
- Cause: Delay presence too obvious in busy sections
- Fix: Turn Delay down slightly - aim for repeats you feel more than clearly hear
Mistake 4: The mix gets muddy in the low/low-mid range
- Cause: Delay repeats emphasizing low frequencies
- Fix: Reduce Delay on low-heavy parts and/or apply a small Lows reduction
Mistake 5: Delay sounds great solo, but too much in the full mix
- Cause: Setting Delay while listening to one track in isolation
- Fix: Always set Delay while listening to the full mix, not solo