Knowledge base
Sample and Hold
How does the ARP 2600's Prancing Raindrops patch combine ring modulation, Sample & Hold, oscillator cross-modulation and internally triggered envelopes to generate a continuously changing sequence without playing the keyboard?
A patch that plays itselfThe ARP 2600 Patch Book contains a… read more
How can you patch Kitchen Sink and Pigeon Plink in VCV Rack for evolving FM sounds, feedback loops, ratio modulation and generative sequences?
Introduction: FM as a patching systemKitchen Sink and Pigeon Plink are especially interesting when you stop treating frequency modulation as a… read more
How To Use Mutable Instruments Stages For Generative Music, Modulation, Sequencing and Sample & Hold
Mutable Instruments Stages: One Module, Many Generative FunctionsAmong all modules commonly used in generative modular synthesis, few offer as much flexibility as Mutable Instruments… read more
How Can Noise and Sample & Hold Modules Create Complex Generative Patches?
Building Noise-Based Randomness Systems in Modular SynthesisNoise is one of the most powerful sources of randomness in modular synthesis.
When combined with multiple Sample & Hold modules, it becomes… read more
How Does Sample & Hold Feedback Change an LFO's Behaviour?
LFO and Sample & Hold Feedback NetworksA simple feedback connection can transform a predictable LFO into an evolving timing source.
The StructureAn LFO triggers a Sample & Hold module.
The Sample & Hold… read more
What Happens When One Sample & Hold Module Triggers Another?
The Inheritance of Randomness: Cascading Sample & Hold ModulesRandomness can be passed from one module to another.
This creates a hierarchy of random behaviour.
The PrincipleOne Sample & Hold module… read more
How Can Looping Envelopes Generate Random Rhythms in Modular Synthesis?
Creating Random Timing with Looping Envelopes and Sample & Hold FeedbackOne fascinating way to generate randomness is allowing a Sample & Hold module to influence the timing of the process that created it.… read more
What Are Different Ways to Create Randomness in Modular Generative Music?
Five Faces of Randomness in Generative MusicRandomness is one of the defining characteristics of generative music. However, not all randomness behaves the same way.
A random process can influence:
… read moreHow Can Random Voltages Be Controlled Without Losing Their Character?
Sculpting Randomness and Setting Limits in Modular SynthesisRandomness becomes most useful when it operates inside meaningful boundaries.
The goal is rarely maximum chaos.
The goal is controlled… read more
How Can Random Melodies and Random Drums Share the Same Rhythm?
Synchronizing Random Events to a BeatRandom events do not automatically create coherent rhythm.
In many situations they need to be synchronized to a common timing structure.
Two Independent Random ProcessesThe… read more