Sample and hold creates stepped random CV by sampling a noise source at each trigger, producing a stochastic melody or modulation

A sample-and-hold (S&H) module takes a snapshot of its input signal at the moment it receives a trigger, then holds that voltage constant until the next trigger. When the input is a noise source (random, continuous voltage), each trigger samples a random level, producing a stepped random pattern. At a slow trigger rate this creates a random melody (especially through a quantizer); at audio rate it produces Sample and Hold noise. S&H modules are often combined with noise generators in a single module. Many random sources in Eurorack are variations on this principle, from smooth random to stepped random with probability.

Examples

White noise -> S&H -> quantizer -> VCO pitch: each step plays a randomly chosen scale degree. Connect the S&H trigger to the sequencer’s clock for rhythmic randomness synced to tempo.

Assessment

Explain the difference between smooth random CV and stepped random CV. Describe a patch that uses sample-and-hold to create a generative melody locked to a clock.