Abstract: A multi-path, split, multi-stage vector quantizer (MPSMS-VQ) having multiple paths between stages which result in a robust and flexible quanitizer. By varying parameters, the MPSMS-VQ meets design requirements, such as: (1) the number of bits used to represent the input vector (i.e., uses the same or less total bits than the given number of bits, N); (2) the dimension of the input vector, the performance (distortion as noted by WMSE or SD); (3) complexity (i.e., total complexity can be adjusted to be within a complexity constraint); and (4) memory usage (i.e., total number of words M in the codebook memory can be adjusted to be equal to, or less than, the memory constraint M.sub.d). Therefore, the disclosed method and apparatus works well in many conditions (i.e., offers a very robust performance across a wide range of inputs).