What is Sample and Hold?

Sample and Hold is a synthesis and signal processing technique that captures a voltage (or signal value) at a specific moment and holds it steady until the next sample is taken. It is known for creating stepped, random, or rhythmic modulation effects.

The process typically involves sampling an input signal—often noise or an LFO—at regular intervals and maintaining that value until the next trigger.

Sample and Hold emphasizes discrete changes over continuous movement, producing a characteristic “stepped” modulation pattern.

It is commonly used to modulate parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, or amplitude, often creating random or sequencer-like effects.

Today, Sample and Hold is widely used in modular synthesis and electronic music, valued for its ability to generate evolving, unpredictable, and rhythmic variations in sound.