Sample & Hold

Module ID: util.samplehold Category: Utilities Header Color: Yellow

The Sample & Hold module

Description

The Sample & Hold (S&H) module captures the instantaneous value of an input signal when triggered, then holds that value constant until the next trigger. This creates stepped, staircase-like outputs from continuous signals.

Classic uses:

• Random pitched sequences from noise
• Stepped modulation from LFOs
• Quantized parameter changes
• Creating rhythmic variation

Inputs

Outputs

Parameters

How It Works

1. Input signal changes continuously
2. Trigger receives a rising edge (gate goes from 0 to 1)
3. Output instantly captures input value at that moment
4. Output holds steady until next trigger
5. Repeat

Input:   ~~~∿∿~~~∿∿~~~  (continuous signal)
Trigger: _|‾|__|‾|__|‾   (pulses)
Output:  ____‾‾‾‾____‾‾  (stepped values)

Usage Tips

Random Notes from Noise

The classic S&H patch—random melodies:

[Noise] ──> [S&H Input]
[Clock] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[S&H Output] ──> [Oscillator V/Oct]

Each clock pulse picks a random voltage from the noise, creating random pitches.

Stepped LFO

Turn a smooth LFO into stepped modulation:

[LFO (Sine)] ──> [S&H Input]
[Clock (faster)] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[S&H Output] ──> [Filter Cutoff]

The filter cutoff moves in discrete steps rather than smoothly.

Rhythmic Variations

Sample a slow LFO at regular intervals:

[LFO (very slow)] ──> [S&H Input]
[Clock 1/4] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[S&H Output] ──> [Parameter]

Each beat has a different (but related) modulation value.

Track and Hold

Sample a melodic sequence to create variations:

[Sequencer CV] ──> [S&H Input]
[Random Trigger] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[S&H Output] ──> [Another Oscillator V/Oct]

The second oscillator plays held notes from the sequence.

Slew for Portamento

Use the Slew parameter to smooth transitions:

[Noise] ──> [S&H] ──> [Osc V/Oct]
             (Slew: 100ms)

Instead of instant pitch jumps, notes glide to each new value.

Quantized Random

For random notes that stay in key, add a quantizer after S&H:

[Noise] ──> [S&H] ──> [Quantizer] ──> [Osc V/Oct]

(Requires a quantizer module)

Stutter Effect

Sample audio at regular intervals:

[Audio] ──> [S&H Input]
[Fast Clock] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[S&H Output] ──> [Output]

Creates a bit-crusher/sample-rate-reduction effect.

Probability-Based Changes

Use a randomly triggered S&H:

[Random Gate (probability)] ──> [S&H Trigger]
[Parameter Source] ──> [S&H Input]

The parameter only changes when the random gate fires.

Self-Patched Chaos

Feed S&H output back with modification:

[S&H Output] ──> [Attenuverter] ──> [S&H Input]
[Clock] ──> [S&H Trigger]

Creates chaotic, evolving patterns. Adjust attenuverter for different behaviors.

Slew Control

The Slew parameter adds portamento between held values:

With high slew values, the output may not reach the held value before the next trigger—creating even smoother movement.

Connection Examples

Random Arpeggio

[Noise] ──> [S&H] ──> [Quantizer] ──> [Osc V/Oct]
[Clock 1/16] ──> [S&H Trigger]

Generative Modulation

[LFO 1 (slow)] ──> [S&H] ──> [Filter Cutoff CV]
[LFO 2 (fast)] ──> [S&H Trigger]

Held Sequence Notes

[Sequencer] ──> [S&H] ──> [Second Voice]
[Random Gate] ──> [S&H Trigger]

Bit Crusher

[Audio] ──> [S&H] ──> [Output]
[Clock (very fast)] ──> [S&H Trigger]

Sample Sources

Different inputs create different results:

Related Modules

• Clock - Trigger source for S&H
• LFO - Input source for stepped modulation
• Sequencer - Alternative way to create stepped sequences
• Attenuverter - Scale S&H output