Passive multiples split a signal for free but degrade pitch CV; buffered multiples preserve it

A multiple (‘mult’) duplicates one signal to several destinations. A passive multiple is just a wire junction with no electronics: it needs no power, but because all outputs share one load, connecting many destinations pulls the voltage slightly low. That small drop is acceptable for gates, triggers, clocks, LFOs, and envelopes — signals where a minor level loss does not cross a threshold or matter — but for 1V/octave pitch CV it causes audible detuning, worsening as more oscillators are added. A buffered (active) multiple inserts an op-amp buffer between the input and each output, isolating destinations so every output holds the exact input voltage regardless of how many are connected. Buffered mults therefore require power and are essential when distributing pitch CV to multiple oscillators that must stay in tune. Using a passive mult for pitch CV is a common beginner mistake producing subtle but persistent detuning. One or two destinations off a passive mult is usually fine; four or more risks drift.

Examples

Splitting a gate or clock to four modules: a passive mult is fine, since a small voltage drop won’t affect the triggering threshold. Splitting one keyboard pitch CV to three or four VCOs for unison: use a buffered mult so all voices stay in tune.

Assessment

Explain why voltage drop matters more for a 1V/oct pitch CV than for a gate. State when a passive mult is preferable to a buffered one, and why a buffered mult is called ‘buffered’. Design a patch that uses each type of mult correctly.