The S&H module (sample and hold) could be found on big analogue modular systems and sometimes on the smaller pre patched synthesizers. Although most S&H modules don’t operate on sound waves, it is a very powerful module. The S&H enables you to make the system compose tunes, to do all sorts of interesting modulations on control signals and to generate riffs. Some S&H modules were able to operate on sound waves. On a traditional modular system you were limited to one or two S&H modules; the Nord Modular offers as many you need.
The S&H module is basically is a synchronizing tool. In this workshop the examples shows ways for modification of LFO control signals and the special effects in which this will result.
The S&H has two inputs and one output. The red input samples the input signal if the signal of the logic input goes from any negative or zero level to any level greater than zero. This means you don't necessarily have to use a logic signal to trigger the S&H. It will react to e.g. a triangle wave from an LFO. The moment the Logic input receives a positive signal, the S&H 'measures' the level at the red input (sampling) and holds it (memorizes it) at the output for as long as a next trigger signal is received.
This is how a S&H module could be used in an analogue synthesizer. The Noise Generator delivers a random control signal to the Pitch control of the Oscillator; the trigger intervals are determined by the LFO. In the next Patches another parameters is controlled by S&H
S&H for a random filter modulation
S&H for a random timbre modulation on sync
S&H for a melodic pitch modulation
Replacing the Noise Oscillator by an LFO result in a tonal sequence.
S&H for gain (Envelope) modulation
More control inputs for S&H
Using three LFO Oscillators more complex rhythmical sequences can be created.
Using S&H in combination with Logic modules
More complex example
More melodic control
More timbre control