I would like to use a number box, or a similar control, to control the number of playback. For example, I would like to increase the number of times that a sample is being played, with separate control over the sampled sound, such as to produce a crowd of applause with a single sampled clapping sound. 

I've thought about objects such as route~, sel~, send & receive, qlist, using sub-patches or abstractions, but I still can't quite figure out the signal flow and a nice way to create a patch that reaches my objective. I understand that I want some control over the pitch, "playback speed" or chunk size, but I'm quite lost as to how I can lay down the foundation (elements) of the patch and a way to control this type of multi-voice situation. 

I also have a feeling someone must have done it already... but I can't seem to find it! Any help is much appreciated.