quantiser

A quantiser, or quantizer, is a device or algorithm that maps a continuous range of values to a finite set. In music technology, quantisation usually refers to aligning the timing or pitch of musical events to a predefined grid or scale. In digital signal processing, a quantiser converts a continuous amplitude or measurement into a discrete set of levels.

Time quantisers adjust the timing of note onsets or events. They snap incoming events to the nearest grid point, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or triplets. Quantisation can be hard, forcing exact steps, or soft, preserving some timing variation. Many systems offer swing or groove controls that shift grid timing to imitate human playing. Some implement probabilistic or randomised quantisation for naturalness.

Pitch quantisers constrain pitches to a chosen musical scale or mode. They are common on keyboards, arpeggiators, or auto chord tools, ensuring output notes stay within a key. Some quantisers offer multi-scale support, microtonal tunings, or keyboard layouts that map input performance to scale degrees rather than absolute pitches. Output can also include transposition or chord voicings.

Implementation and controls: quantisers may be hardware modules, software plug-ins, or built into DAWs and synthesizers. Typical parameters include grid resolution, quantisation strength or amount, swing, note length, and sometimes humanise. Some quantisers handle non-integer divisions, triplet grids, or irregular meters.

Limitations and considerations: quantisation can reduce expressiveness or groove if overused. Users often blend quantised and unquantised notes or adjust strength to preserve feel. Latency, look-ahead, and user interface considerations affect performance in live or studio settings.