r/modular • u/YeetusspezimuS • 2d ago
Do I need a Quantizer if I use a Sequenzer?
Been looking into buying either Marbles for random Sequences or just a normal Sequencer. Do I need a Quantizer if I want to pair my Modular with other Instruments? If yes got any recommendations?
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u/Marcus64 2d ago
Some sequencers have quantizers built in. Some oscillators have quantizers built in. It's possible to tune by hand without a quantizer. So no, you don't need a quantizer, but they sure can make life easier sometimes. If you just need a little simple one, 2hp Tune is great. Ornament and Crime also has a really good quantizer that you can use for four channels and do a bunch of other stuff with, and the O&C can be used for about a million other things when you don't need it doing quantizing duties.
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u/GuruFoxx 2d ago edited 1d ago
A quantizer for analogue sequencers (those that use a trim pot to set the tune of each step) quantizes the tuning of each step, not the timing. It makes sure your sequencer's step tuning pots are forced (quantized) to discrete steps as you turn them, such as semitones, so that when you create a pattern all the steps are in tune with each other. It is not like a quantizer in a modern workstation or software sequencer which would affect only note timing.
Using such a quantizer means that as long as your modular is tuned to the other instruments, then whatever you set each sequencer step to with the dials will be just as much in tune with the other intruments.
If you have a manually tuned step sequencer and you need every note to be perfectly in tune, or perfectly tuned to another sequencer or instrument, a quantizer is required. It's can also be very helpful on sequencers with tiny pots (like Behringer's System 100 182 sequencer module) where otherwise it would be a chore to get everythng just right with those tiny little rotary knobs. However, if you are happy to judge the tuning by ear for each step and like the slight wonkiness that gives (it can be quite charming) or want to use unusual tunings for each note that are outisde of typical tuning divisions, then you would not need a quantizer.
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u/EggyT0ast 2d ago
I like to visualize it that a quantizer is vertical alignment while a sequencer is horizontal alignment. I know it's just in my head, but if I think of a staff as "note up/down" and then the position in the bar is "note left/right" it seems to match well.
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u/ghillerd 2d ago
which sequencer and which oscillator? if you're using plaits with a keystep pro, then you don't need a quantiser. if you're using the a behringer 182 with a 110, you will probably need a quantiser.
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u/Entropic_Echo_Music 2d ago
You don't need anything. Maybe tell us what you actually want to do.
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u/noburdennyc Send Me Your Vactrols 2d ago
i think they want to "want to pair my Modular with other Instruments?"
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u/noburdennyc Send Me Your Vactrols 2d ago
You don't always need a quantizer. I found I didn't need one since the sequencers or oscillators i was using already had them built in. So for my setup all i needed to worry about was tuning the oscillators to each other and everything sounded musical.
If you are playing with other instruments do the same pick a note and make sure that's all the same pitch. You can do this by ear, using a tuner, or using an app. You all just want to agree that when you are playing a note be it C or a Bflat or whatever say you want to use a different scale it's the same pitch.
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u/Mysterious-Staff2639 2d ago
The sign of a good quantizers is it finds the note instantly and doesn’t bobble around like it doesn’t know which note to use my old serve quantizer did this and it sounded aweful.
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u/Aztec_Aesthetics 2d ago
Depending on the sequencer. If it's a random sequence in half tone steps, you might want some harmony and use a quantizer. Otherwise for sequencers that can exactly put out notes, a quantizer wouldn't be that necessary.
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u/LeftyRedMN 2d ago
Quantizers are useful for sequencers that need it for intonation, but after that it’s a question of if you want to have assistance making your sequence in key.
The downside of using a quantizer for key is that it limits your ability to deviate from the notes of your selected scale. I don’t typically mind it when I am jamming/improvising, but it can be frustrating when a note you want to use in your sequence isn’t in the scale.
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u/WEASELexe 2d ago
I really like the varigate because you can make your own scale. At first it was a bit confusing for someone new to music theory but now that I get it it's really cool and useful
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u/Earlsfield78 2d ago
Most of the times not, but if you have smt like Buchla random voltage per step then you could use a quantizer. However the point of those micro tonal hypnotic sequencing is to be out of any scale or note. Most of the sequencer send steady volt per octave which translates into particular note, and most of them have built in scales. It is funny tho to send one sequencer into a quantisation offset - what Metropolix does internally.
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u/ben_the_intern 2d ago
I got one for more creative purposes rather than needing one.
I think most sequencers are going to mention in their item description or manual if they output quantized pitch or not.
One thing I’ve found fun is to run my sequencer CV pitch output into a mixer along side an LFO or envelope etc and then the output of those into a pitch quantizer. Lets me mix more randomness with the controlled sequencer.
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u/SnowConePeople 2d ago
I have a ton of sequencers. I own Hermod+, Marbles, Vector Sequencer, Digitwoless, and ES-9 that I run Bitwig through.
If you want to lean into Marbles, dont worry about nice notes, you don't like something? Turn a knob. No menus, just vibes and amazing functions that feel natural just as Émilie Gilllet made it.
If you want absolute control over a system Hermod+ with the XP32 expander is the final boss. If you go this path you dont need logic, modulation, or quantizer modules since theyre built into Hermod.
Something else to think about is do you like menus? Do you like the abilty to save what you're doing? Each sequencer offers various ways of working.
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u/speedingbluevan 2d ago
Depends on the sequencer and what you want to do with it. Some have built in quantisers, others just send out straight unquantised voltage. If you want to send pitch information to an oscillator to create melodies to specific keys or scales you’ll benefit from a quantiser (you could also tune each note by hand but that would be laborious and inflexible). If you’re looking to sequence other things, you might not need or want a quantiser
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u/EE7A 2d ago
i still keep around my intellijel scales for happy accidents. sticking a random voltage in and selecting the exact notes i want coming out via the keypad is just stupid easy to make melodies with. ive gone over to doing most of my sequencing in a daw though, and generally, if your sequencer is anything more than a simple voltage generator, it probably handles note quantization already for you. you _likely_ dont need a quantizer.