Choose sample variations by how hard you play

Velocity Split picks a version from a Chop family based on how hard you play. Give the Original and a Branch different treatments, set the family to Velocity Split, then play soft and hard.

Updated 7 November 2026 · S9 Audio

Use it when a soft hit should sound gentle and a hard hit should bring a brighter, pitched or more processed version. All versions play the same piece of audio.

For S9 Sampler 0.1.6 (paid beta). More help inside the app: Help & Shortcuts → Branches.

S9 Sampler’s Original and Branch connection with independent pitch controls
The real S9 Sampler interface. Open full size.

Step by step

  1. Make two clear versions

    Select a Chop, choose Edit Chop, add a Branch and make it sound clearly different.

  2. Choose Velocity Split

    Set the family’s trigger rule to Velocity Split.

  3. Play soft and hard

    Play the key gently and firmly, or change note velocities in your DAW. A controller set to fixed velocity will always pick the same version.

  4. Shape it for the part

    Play your real pattern and adjust each version so the change between them feels musical.

Good to know

Louder isn’t the same as switching

Make the versions very different while you set this up, so you can hear the switch. Then dial the difference back.

Velocity only

The version is chosen by how hard you hit the key, not by aftertouch or MPE gestures.

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