[korg]
[ms50 title]

[owners manual]

3. The modules and their functions  ^

(13) SAMPLE AND HOLD

[s/h module]
- sample and hold

[one] CLOCK SPEED (sampling frequency)
Adjusts how often the input signal will be sampled to produce the S/H module's stepped output signal. This lets you determine how long each step is held.
[two] SAMPLE SIGNAL INPUT (S/H IN)
This is for the continuously changing input signal that you are going to convert into a stepped output.
[three] EXTERNAL CLOCK INPUT
For external inputs (the MG [mg pulse] waveform, for example) used instead of the S/H module's own clock generator.
[four] CLOCK OUTPUT
Provides the output signal from the internal clock. May be used to trigger EG operation to coincide with the stepped changes in the S/H output signal.
[five] SAMPLE AND HOLD OUTPUT (S/H OUT)
Provides the S/H stepped output signal. May be patched into the VCO FM IN or VCA FcM IN for stepped changes in pitch or timbre.

Graphs A and B in the figure below give an idea of how this S/H module operates. In graph A is a curve drawn by an automatic recording thermometer of one day's temperature changes. B is a bar graph based on temperature readings taken every three hours. The S/H modules converts the kind of smooth curve in graph A into the kind of stepped changes shown in graph B. The MG output is an example of the kind of smooth curve used as an S/H input, from which a stepped output is produced. Just as we took readings every three hours to produce graph B, the S/H clock frequency determines the intervals at which the output signal is checked. Whatever voltage value is found at that time is maintained in the output signal until the next check is made.

[sample and hold graphs]
- graphs A & B

In other words, the input signal is sampled, and it's voltage is held until the next sample is taken. Since the MS-50's S/H is equipped with an output jack for its clock signal, you can trigger the EG to generate an envelope signal each time the S/H output signal goes up or down a step. You can also use the MG [mg pulse] output for remote control of the sampling frequency (clock speed) via the external clock input jack. When used for this purpose, the pulse width itself has no effect on operation. As long as you don't make the pulse width so short that the waveform disappears, any PW/PWM setting (on the MG) is fine.

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