I’ve never been able to use a sample and hold feature in person. I know what it sounds like…but how does it work? Is it a button you push to capture the signal?
Sample and hold is simply the name of the process used in analog synthesis to get a random control voltage signal. It works by “sampling” the voltage of an input signal at a certain clock speed and “holding” it for the duration of the clock cycle, then repeating this process on the next clock cycle. In the case of analog synthesis, the input signal is a noise signal so the voltages held are random.
Sample and hold is also used in analog-to-digital conversion, as it is a way of discretizing signals.
Right…I know the definition and know what it sounds like…but do not understand what you need to do on the actual synthesizer to make the sample and hold function work. Is activated by a button? Is it activated by another signal…once the signal passes a certian threshold or db? Is it activated by a switch? That is what I don’t understand.
On the Micromoog, you look in the modulation section.
Turn the Source knob to S&H Auto (which means at that point the Sample and Hold effect is just on), or S&H KBD (which means that the effect is activated by depressing a key). Set the Routing knob to the device you want to modulate with the Sample and Hold effect. You have the option of Oscillator (which generates random pitches), Oscillator and Filter (which generates random pitches and filter settings), Filter (which generates random filter cutoff points) or the last one… which is a funny little waveform shape… a funny little waveform shape that demonstrates one of the coolest aspects of the Micromoog… modulation can affect waveshape! The end effect sounds like pulse width modulation, but works on ALL of the waveforms, not just pulse. Setting the Sample and Hold to this destination generates random modulations in the waveshape! Very cool. Not something you find on those lame latter-day Moog budget synths like the Prodigy and Rogue. ; ) Two oscillators? Big whoop. So you can create a chorus effect. Impressive. ; )
You just set SOURCE to S&H (either auto or kbd) and set ROUTING to whatever you want (oscillator, filter, etc). It is used like an LFO.
You beat me to it!
Heh heh… well, I have to jump at any chance to propogandize the Micromoog that I can.
: )
I know just what you mean hahaha.