Quantization

[djglenn]

What can you tell me about quantization? I didn't know much about it until I read a tutorial about adding strings to a mix. They used quantization and it helped them sound a bit better. I tried it myself and liked the results. So what exactly is going on when using it? (so far my searches come up with some real scientific stuff....so layman's terms would be nice...thanks!)

[sven hauck]

Quantization let's you lock your played notes to the nearest grid unit, depending on what value you selected. Using standard values can create a robotic pattern that doesn't groove much.

However, as part of the quantization you can also apply groove templates from other tracks or even drum machines that can imbue the pattern with a groove. Some people use groove templates from vintage drum machines.

As a rule, though, I tend to avoid using quantization on some parts at all as the process can make the pattern monotonous and boring.

[NuEra]

Quantization changed my life

[admin]

You've probably been using it without realizing it. Quantize just snaps parts/notes etc.. to a grid. As noted above this can be done in various strengths as well as grooves.

If you compose with audio pieces then you are already snapping so it's already being done. But depending on the sequencer you can also apply swing or groove quantize to drum parts done in audio in addition to MIDI.

It's a fairly essential skill for most types of dance.

[djglenn]

Ok, that's pretty much what I was figuring it was. So I'm wondering now how that effects a string part. Like in the example from this link:

http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mixi...-backdrop/

Listen to the dry strings at the end of #2 and then listen to them at the end of #3. I can understand how the legato is working here, but not the quantization. Is the quantization really needed? Meaning, is it really effecting the sound? Seems like it's mainly the legato here.

thanks

[admin]

You're right the quantize in this example isnt very apparent. Part of the problem is there's nothing to reference them against. If there were other parts going on then you might hear it. Also strings are often the one thing I don't apply quantize to hehe. I've found it's better to play them in live as the attack of a string can vary quite a bit and this makes a big difference in the 'feel' of them which needs to be just right to give the correct push and pull. A lot of times you'll see that you've played them a bit early in time to compensate for the long attack time.

[NuEra]

Here Glenn, this article should keep you busy

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul01/ar...grove1.asp

[admin]

Good link. I bought the Ernest Cholakis' DNA Groovesway backin the day, they came on a floppy hehe. But I never got much use of out them as they seemed too random as described in the other thread about drums.

[przechuy]

Steve Anegello in a video with him in studio shows usage of quantization when he creates a bassline to his example track (made from scratch,for tutorial video purposes). He has there some problems ,but he shows quite well how quantization can be used

[admin]

He's also using the 16b and 16c I referred to in the other post.