AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Sample and Hold Modules 2026
The top pick is Doepfer A-148 Dual Sample & Hold ($71). Behringer 1036 Sample & Hold / Random Voltage Eurorack Module gives you the most for the money at $49. Frap Tools Bagai Multipurpose Thingamabob leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Sample and Hold ModulesTop 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Doepfer A-148 Dual Sample & Hold
A-148 Dual Sample And Hold · Doepfer
10 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you already run a Eurorack modular setup, you will find this module easy to fit in. It gives you two separate sample and hold circuits in a narrow 4 HP panel, so you get two of them without using much space. It suits you best if you want to add this kind of function to your modular rig.
Pros
- Two separate sample and hold circuits in one module
- Euro rack format fits standard Eurorack modular setups
- Compact 4 HP width saves space in your rack
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Doepfer A-184-1 Ring Modulator / Sample & Hold / Slew Limiter
A-184-1 · Doepfer
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get three tools in one small module: a ring modulator, a sample and hold or track and hold, and a slew limiter. It takes up only 4 HP and 40 mm of depth, so it fits well in a Eurorack setup where space is tight. It suits you if you already have a Eurorack system and want to add these three functions without using much room.
Pros
- Combines three functions in one 4 HP module: ring modulator, sample and hold or track and hold, and slew limiter
- Narrow 4 HP width saves rack space in a Euro Rack system
- Shallow 40 mm depth fits tight Eurorack cases
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You get a Eurorack module that makes random control voltages, clocks, noise and bursts, all in one 12 HP panel. It suits you if you want to add unpredictable movement to a modular patch, since the clock, noise colour control and sample and hold give you plenty to work with. Make sure your case can supply the 190 mA on +12V and 90 mA on -12V before you buy.
Pros
- Internal clock runs from 0.05 Hz to 34 kHz with tempo control
- Noise generator includes a colour control for shaping the noise
- Sample and hold has 8-bit quantisation with its own separate output
Cons
- Draws 190 mA on +12V and 90 mA on -12V, so check your power budget
70AudioFu
Index↓ 3.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$334 · Aug 17$323 now$323€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer 1036 Sample & Hold / Random Voltage Eurorack Module
S&H / Random Voltage 1036 · Behringer
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get two sample and hold channels in one 16 HP Eurorack module. The internal clock runs from very slow to 300 Hz, and a manual sample button lets you trigger it yourself. It suits you if you're building a modular rig and want random voltage or stepped control signals at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Two independent sample and hold channels in one 16 HP module
- Internal clock adjustable from 0.03 to 300 Hz
- Internal random generator with its own attenuator
Cons
- Draws 40 mA on each rail, so check your system power budget
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You get a two-channel sample and hold module with an adjustable slew limiter on each channel. You can switch each channel between Sample and Hold and Track and Hold, and it adds Noise, Difference, Average and Sum outputs. It suits you if you already run a Eurorack system and want a compact module for stepped and random control signals.
Pros
- Two independent sample and hold channels, each with its own signal and trigger input and output
- Each channel has an adjustable slew limiter for smoothing stepped changes
- Each channel can switch from Sample and Hold to Track and Hold
Cons
- Needs a Eurorack case with a +12 V and -12 V power supply to run
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get eight channels of stepped random voltages, and each channel has its own algorithm, looper, probability and quantiser settings. It suits you if you want a changing source of control voltage for a Eurorack setup. At 8 HP wide, it takes up little room in a small rack.
Pros
- Eight channels, each generating stepped random voltages with one of eight algorithms
- Each channel has its own trigger input, CV output, output attenuator and menu button
- Pitch quantiser with 15 scales available per channel for musical stepped voltages
Cons
- Each channel's random voltages range only from 0V to 10V, unipolar
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$304 now$304€272 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
How to choose the best sample and hold modules
Sample Rate
This dictates the precision of the 'sample'. A lower rate gives you chunkier, more obvious steps; a higher rate can blur the lines and create more subtle shifts. It's a balance - too low and it sounds like a broken toy, too high and you lose the character.
Hold Time
How long the sampled voltage is held. Shorter hold times create rapid, glitchy sequences; longer hold times allow for more sustained, evolving textures. Think about the dynamic range you need for your music.
Input Signal Characteristics
Some S&Hs are designed for clean sine waves, others thrive on noisy, distorted signals. Consider the source you'll be feeding it - a VCO, a sequencer, a noise generator - and how the S&H will react. A module that sounds great with a VCO might be muddy with a raw square wave.
Modulation Input
The ability to modulate the sample rate or hold time opens up a world of possibilities. A CV input allows you to tie the S&H's behavior to other modules, creating complex, interconnected sequences. Look for good headroom on the modulation input to avoid clipping.
Noise Floor
All S&Hs generate some internal noise. A high noise floor can muddy the signal, especially when dealing with quiet sources. It's not always a dealbreaker, but it's worth considering, especially for subtle textures.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that stuttering, chaotic, evolving texture? A Sample and Hold module is your ticket. It's not just about random noise; it's about controlled randomness, transforming a predictable signal into something weird and wonderful. Whether you're adding rhythmic glitches to a drone, creating hypnotic sequences, or just making sounds that freak out your bandmates, a good S&H module is essential.
Don't fall for the hype - a cheap S&H will often have a noisy, uneven sample rate, making it unusable for anything beyond basic experimentation. Spending a bit more usually gets you a more stable sample rate, better modulation response, and a lower noise floor. Ultimately, the 'best' S&H is the one that fits your sonic needs and workflow - experiment and don't be afraid to try something unconventional.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 7 sample and hold modules from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Sample and Hold and a Random Voltage Generator?
A Random Voltage Generator produces true random voltages, often based on thermal noise. An S&H samples a voltage from a source and holds it - it's not inherently random unless you're sampling from a random source.
Can I use an S&H as a sequencer?
Absolutely! By modulating the sample rate with a clock source, you can create rhythmic sequences. It's a great way to generate unpredictable melodies and rhythms, though it won't be as precise as a dedicated sequencer.
My S&H sounds really muddy - what's wrong?
It could be a few things: a high noise floor, a low-pass filter on the output, or the input signal being too complex. Try simplifying the input signal and adding a high-pass filter to clean up the low end.
How do I get that classic, gritty S&H sound?
Lower the sample rate, feed it a distorted signal, and modulate the hold time with a noisy LFO. Experiment with different input sources to find the sweet spot - sometimes a little bit of chaos is all you need.
Does the order of modules matter in my patch?
Yes! The impedance of the S&H's input can affect the signal from the source. Try different cable lengths and buffer modules to optimize the signal flow and avoid unwanted coloration.
