Plug-in Reference

85
MIDI effects
Quantizer
Quantizing is a function that changes the timing of notes
by moving them towards a “quantize grid”. This grid may
consist of e.g. straight sixteenth notes (in which case the
notes would all get perfect sixteenth note timing), but
could also be more loosely related to straight note value
positions (applying a “swing feel” to the timing, etc.).
Ö The main Quantize function in Cubase is described in
the Operation manual.
While the Quantize function on the MIDI menu applies the
timing change to the actual notes on a track, the Quantizer
effect allows you to apply quantizing “on the fly”, changing
the timing of the notes in real time. This makes it easier to
try out different settings when creating grooves and
rhythms. Note however, that the main Quantize function
contains settings and features that are not available in the
Quantizer.
The Quantizer has the following parameters:
Step Designer
The Step Designer is a MIDI pattern sequencer that sends
out MIDI notes and additional controller data according to
the pattern you set up. It does not make use of the incom-
ing MIDI, other than automation data (such as recorded
pattern changes).
Creating a basic pattern
1. Use the Pattern selector to choose which pattern to
create.
Each Step Designer can hold up to 200 different patterns.
2. Use the Quantize setting to specify the “resolution” of
the pattern.
In other words, this setting determines how long each step is. For exam-
ple, if Quantize is set to “16th” each step will be a sixteenth note.
3. Specify the number of steps in the pattern with the
Length setting.
As you can see in the note display, the maximum number of steps is 32.
For example, setting Quantize to 16 and Length to 32 would create a
two bar pattern with sixteenth note steps.
4. Click in the note display to insert notes.
You can insert notes on any of the 32 steps, but the Step Designer will
only play back the number of steps set with the Length parameter.
• The display spans one octave (as indicated by the pitch
list to the left). You can scroll the displayed octave up or
down by clicking in the pitch list and dragging up or down.
This way you can insert notes at any pitch. Note that each step can contain
one note only – the Step Designer is monophonic.
Click and drag to view other octaves.
• To remove a note from the pattern, click on it again.
Parameter Description
Quantize Note This sets the note value on which the quantize grid is
based. Straight notes, triplets and dotted notes are avail-
able. For example, “16” means straight sixteenth notes
and “8T” means eighth note triplets.
Swing This allows you to offset every second position in the
grid, creating a swing or shuffle feel. The value is a per-
centage – the higher you set this, the farther to the right
every even grid position is moved.
Strength This determines how close the notes should be moved to
the quantize grid. When set to 100%, all notes will be
forced to the closest grid position; lowering the setting
will gradually loosen the timing.
Delay This delays (positive values) or advances (negative val-
ues) the notes in milliseconds. Unlike the Delay setting in
the Track Parameters, this delay can be automated.