A ratchet-retrigger subdivides a single step into a fast burst while a drum roll retriggers across multiple steps

Both ratchets and drum rolls involve rapid retriggered hits, but they differ in scope. A drum roll spans multiple steps — snare/hat/tom hits building into a section change, often accelerating — and functions as a build-up device at the arrangement level. A ratchet-retrigger is localized: a single sequencer step is subdivided into 2, 3, or 4 rapid hits. Ratchets are the signature of trap hi-hat rolls, IDM stutters, and snare ratchets. Understanding the distinction clarifies when to use per-step subdivision versus multi-step fill for the desired effect.

Examples

Strudel drum roll: .ply(4) over multiple steps + gain ramp. Ratchet: .ply(3) on a single step only.

Assessment

Explain the structural difference between a drum roll and a ratchet-retrigger. Give a musical context where each would be appropriate.