Understanding the Various Versions of Smart Delay

If you have been considering using any of our virtual instruments, you have probably noticed one of the unique features we have, called Smart Delay. You may have also noticed that we have two different types we refer to as Smart Delay 1.0 and 2.0, and there are some instruments that do not use Smart Delay. Based on customer questions and feedback, here is a brief explanation of the different ways our instruments work as of November 2025.

We have four groups:The New Standard, Smart Delay 2.0, Freebies, Straight Ahead

They may be organized differently on our website to help customers find the type of instrument they are looking for rather than the technology they use, but this grouping and explanation is to help understand the way they work from a technical setup/workflow perspective. Each product on our website designates if it works with Smart Delay and which version on our website.

Also, as of this writing, all of them work inside Kontakt, which is a popular sample library player made by Native Instruments. Look it up on their website for more info. Check our items' descriptions to determine if it comes with a free player or what version you need to have already.

The New Standard line utilizes Smart Delay 1.0. All of these include the free Kontakt Player. They initially load in “Real Time” mode and function like any traditional MIDI instrument with no delay or advanced scripting. When “Smart Delay” is engaged, the sound will be played 4 quarter notes later than where they are entered. This is so that the script can analyze a large portion of a phrase and then select from an enormous sample pool exactly what sample per note should be placed where. It then knows the length of the note and any previous or following note before it plays, as well as other data. The result is a MIDI performance that is virtually indistinguishable from a live player. This also saves the composer a lot of time by not having to enter and audition numerous pastiches or short and long notes, legato and staccato, etc. There are various ways to compensate for the 4-beat delay so that the musical material is heard where it is originally intended.

1. This is the simplest way: move the MIDI region four quarter notes earlier to the left. Then the sound will be heard where it is intended, and playback will be in line with other non–Smart Delay instruments. If in a notation program, move the notation of that staff 4 quarter notes ahead.

2. Have 2. the MIDI data or notation remain in place but still be synchronized with non–Smart Delay instruments is the “Non-Smart Delay Track Sync Plugin.” Apply this effect as a plugin on any instrument tracks that are not Smart Delay instruments, and their sound will be heard four beats later to match the Smart Delay. This also works in Dorico (not available for Sibelius).

3. Most complicated, but keeps the visual MIDI data and music in sync with the original time placement: duplicate the software track and follow your DAW’s instructions on creating an alias or exact live copy of the MIDI region that changes when you edit the original (Logic calls it an Alias). Load the Smart Delay instrument on that track instead of the original, then move the alias region four beats ahead. You can then hide that track if desired. Play and edit the original MIDI in its place, and the alias version will follow those edits.

Smart Delay 2.0 This was created with an audio plugin (Audio Unit or VST3) that you apply to the track that tells the host sequencer that the track has a delay and thus automatically synchronizes the playback. These also include “4-beat delay” patches which function the same as Smart Delay 1.0. Initially the instrument will load in “Real Time” mode and can be played like any MIDI instrument without any delay or advanced scripting. When Smart Delay is engaged, apply the “Smart Delay Offset” plugin to the track (or toggle it on), and playback will be heard at its original position without the need to move the MIDI region, or apply a plugin to the other tracks. There will be a 1.0-second delay from pressing play, or your playback cursor may jump back one second, depending on your DAW. The only adjustment to workflow is that the additional plugin needs to be toggled on/off with Smart Delay when you are recording or playing back. Detailed instructions are provided in the manual. These require owning the full version of Kontakt.

The Freebies – These are crafted to have a ton of character rather than a conventional tone. These are also the simplest instruments we have; they do not use any type of Smart Delay. They work just like any standard MIDI or software instrument, with no intelligent scripting or delay compensation required.

The Straight Ahead! – These feature samples and loops that relate to the tempo of the arrangement. They do not have Smart Delay; instead, the percussion has what we call “playable loops,” in addition to deeply sampled individual drum and cymbal articulations. For example, the SA! Jazz Drums has various ride cymbal patterns that were performed by a jazz drummer that are triggered by holding down one note, and the time will automatically match and quantize to your tempo. Same goes for the “jazz snare comping.” SA! Bass has a special quarter- and 8th-note articulation that plays quarter notes at the tempo of your arrangement. No compensation or workflow adjustment is needed. Some automatically change the samples based on your tempo; others you would pre-select a patch based on your tempo.

Future of Smart Delay – As we are always looking to raise the bar on what virtual instruments can do and simplify workflow, stay tuned to our mailing list and subscribe to our YouTube channel for new technology announcements.