Yes, I know what you mean… when you’re used to Pioneer’s auto mode or quantized effects, the difference is very noticeable, especially when you trigger the effect slightly off-beat.
Pioneer’s auto beat mode is perfectly synchronized, but Engine isn’t. It’s not because the quantization isn’t precise, but rather because we’re not hitting it at the exact moment.
Engine is more accurate, but when using the manual mode to apply the effect, our small mistakes are more noticeable because it’s not as “automated.” A clear example can be seen in the gate effect: when you hit it slightly out of sync, the effect sounds off, and it’s not because it’s faulty, but because it only activates the effect at the exact moment you hit it, and then it doesn’t sound as good.
I discovered something you can try with this effect: intentionally use the gate effect off the beat, and you’ll see it makes it exactly as out of sync as you tapped it.
However, if you do it with a loop and slip mode activated, things change. Try it and you’ll see the difference.