Details of a VCV Rack 2 Sample and Hold patch using the Cosmic Core Synth 2d template.
ZIP file containing
- CCSynth2d-SampleAndHoldQNTdoc.jpg
- CCSynth2d-SampleAndHoldQNT.mp3
- CCSynth2d-SampleAndHold.vcv
- CCSynth2d-SampleAndHoldQNT.vcv
CCSynth2d-SampleAndHold.vcv is an old patch converted for the Cosmic Core Synth 2d template. CCSynth2d-SampleAndHoldQNT.vcv is an updated patch which uses a Quantizer. The JPEG file shows the modules used in the patch highlighted.
Modules used in the Cosmic Core Synth 2d – Sample and Hold QNT Patch…
| Brand | Module | Function |
|---|---|---|
| VCV | RANDOM | Sample and Hold |
| VCV | SEQ-3 | Provides Trigger and Gate signals |
| VCV | QNT | Converts Random Voltages into musical notes |
| VCV | OCT | Provides a way to change octaves |
| VCV | VCO | Accepts musical notes and provides an audio waveform |
| VCV | NOIS | Input to the Sample and Hold circuit |
| VCV | ADSR | Takes a Gate Input and provides and envelope for the VCA |
| VCV | VCA | Voltage Controlled Amplifier (volume) |
| VCV | MUTES | Turns the sound ON and OFF |
| VCV | SCOPE | Yellow lines are the Sample and Hold voltages generated. Red lines show the audio waveform output |
| VCV | AUDIO | Interface to the speakers |
| VCV | DELAY | Time delay makes the sound more interesting |
| VCV | NOTES | Information about the patch |
Notes about the patch
RANDOM, SEQ-3 and NOISE are the key modules for Sample and Hold. Per the VCV Rack documentation, when the TRIG input (of RANDOM) is patched, the RATE slider is ignored. If the IN input (of RANDOM) is patched the RND voltage is ignored.
This patch uses a BLUE noise source to RANDOM. SEQ-3 sets the TEMPO and TRIGGER for RANDOM. SEQ-3 also sets the +10 Voltage for the GATE input for the ADSR. The SEQ-3 knobs in the first row help determine when the GATE signal is sent.
The RANDOM STEP output sends the notes to the VCO. The RANDOM SHAPE slider determines how many steps there are between triggers (100% is 16 steps). This patch is set at 50% providing 8 steps.
On the QNT module the sharps and flats were clicked off, leaving only natural notes sent to the VCO. OCT is in the patch in case you want to change the Octave of the note.
Since this is an automatically generated sound, the MUTES module is used to turn the audio on and off.
DELAY is included to make the sound more interesting.
The SCOPE is used to see what is going on. The STEP output is in yellow and the Audio is in red.
Suggestions for Exploration
- Try different NOIS colors as input to RANDOM
- Include the VCF in the patch
- Use an LFO as input to RANDOM
- Change the PROB and SHAPE sliders (on RANDOM)
- Use the knobs on SEQ-3 to set PROB and SHAPE