(1) The representation of an analog signal by a vector of discrete values. The signal, after quantization, has a stepped shape rather than its original continuous curve, and the difference between this and the original signal is quantization error. See granulation, PCM, quantization noise.
(2) A function found on sequencers and drum machines that causes notes played hose start time does not correspond to the beginning of a beat at odd times to be rounded off to the nearest rhythmic value. See percentage quantization.