This patch is a little hard to manage. I have to anticipate the notes because of the lateness of the peak where the samples actually get to the loudest attack point. If I quantized this, it would feel late, so for performing with these kinds of patches, I'll either play way ahead of the tick or behind, depending on the samples. Recording instrument parts is, for me, more about listening to the part and playing according to what my ear tells me versus what my hands want to do in relation to the sequencer's clock. And I quantize absolutely nothing when it comes to strings or winds.
Drums are a different matter, of course.
But I have to be careful not to overdo it when I play. One thing we do with our samples is lower the output gain in the samplers themselves. If a sound is really exposed and you're trying to make a delicate entrance, it's easy to hear the zippering in volume as you come in. With the output gain set low, the real sensitive, quieter range where you'd hear zippering is disguised. Though he's liberal with his expression pedal, he avoids using sustain pedal.