Who is a synthesiser for layered pads suitable for?

Layered pad builder

Wants to play two or more independently editable sounds at once and let long chords ring out. So they compare the number of Parts, the options for building layers and the polyphony required.

Quiet home player

Makes pads in a shared home and wants to listen through headphones. Also checks whether connected speakers keep playing.

Producer with limited workspace

Wants to shape sounds on a small desk and weighs up a compact keyboard against having more keys and hands-on controls.

What should you look for?

First decide how you want to create layers, then test whether your chords keep ringing out with your chosen settings, and finally check the connections and space required.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Independent layers and polyphony Play the chords you plan to use with all layers and long release times; distinguish independent Parts from engines within a single patch. If I want to set up different patches independently and let long chords ring out, I look at both how layers are built and the polyphony required; around 36% of consumers prioritise independent sound layers and sufficient polyphony.
Quiet listening Check the headphone socket and mute any monitors separately. According to Novation’s manual, the Summit’s main outputs remain active when headphones are connected. If I want to practise without using speakers, I also check whether other outputs continue to carry sound; around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet listening in a shared home.
Space and controls Measure the available space, including room for cables. The Korg models mentioned have 37 keys; the Yamaha MODX M6 has 61 keys and is 882 mm wide, according to Yamaha. At a small desk, I want to know whether the instrument will fit and how many keys I can play straight away; around 21% of consumers prioritise space and hands-on controls. The key counts and dimensions are model specifications from Korg and Yamaha.
Recording and making changes later Check that the audio outputs and MIDI or USB functions on the exact model are compatible with your recording equipment; performance data and audible sound are not the same thing. If I want to use a pad with my existing recording setup, I check how both the sound and performance data will be connected; around 14% of consumers prioritise recording and connectivity.

Common pitfalls when buying

  • Assuming the maximum polyphony guarantees every pad will work

    According to Korg, the multi/poly’s stated maximum of 60 voices varies depending on the settings. Multiple layers and long release tails can affect how many notes continue to sound at once.

    Test your own chord changes with all the layers and release settings you want, rather than relying on a single preset sound.

  • Confusing two engines with two independent patches

    Arturia describes the MiniFreak’s two engines as part of the instrument’s sound-design process. Novation, by contrast, describes the Summit as having two separate Parts that you can layer.

    Decide whether you want to create one combined patch or set up several patches independently.

  • Assuming headphones always mute the speakers

    According to Novation’s manual, the Summit’s main outputs remain active when headphones are connected.

    Check the output settings on the model you choose and, if necessary, switch off or mute connected monitors separately.

Relevant brands for synthesisers and pads

Korg

The multi/poly and modwave mkII offer different ways to create layered pads: Korg describes the multi/poly as allowing you to combine Programs, and the modwave mkII as featuring wavetables and two Programs.

  • Korg specifies a maximum of 60 voices and a 6.3 mm headphone output for both models.
  • According to Korg, the multi/poly’s maximum polyphony varies depending on the settings. So test the sound combination and release time you want to use.

Novation

According to Novation, the Summit has two independent Parts that you can layer, as well as a five-octave keyboard.

  • Novation specifies 16 voices for the Summit.
  • According to the manual, the main outputs remain active when headphones are connected; check any connected monitors separately.

Roland

According to Roland, the JUPITER-Xm has four synth Parts and one rhythm Part for combining sounds.

  • The individual Parts give you a way to build up several sounds.
  • The number of Parts alone does not indicate a fixed number of voices available at once in every combination.

Arturia

According to Arturia, the MiniFreak combines two digital engines, modulation and stereo effects within a single patch.

  • The two engines give you options for shaping a sound within one patch.
  • Arturia specifies six voices. Two engines are not the same as two independently playable patches, so test long, overlapping chords.

Yamaha

The MODX M6 is designed for anyone who wants to combine pads with other sounds on one instrument; Yamaha specifies 16 internal Parts.

  • Yamaha specifies 61 keys and a width of 882 mm for the MODX M6.
  • Yamaha gives different maximum polyphony figures for each sound engine; these do not represent a fixed maximum for every Performance combining sounds.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are two oscillators or engines the same as two independent sound layers?

No, not necessarily. Arturia describes the MiniFreak’s two engines as components of its sound-design process; Novation describes the Summit as having two separate Parts that you can layer. Check whether you want to set up the patches independently.

Will my housemates stop hearing the sound as soon as I plug in headphones?

Not necessarily: check any connected speakers too. According to Novation’s manual, the Summit’s main outputs remain active when headphones are connected. Headphones also do not automatically eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys.

Do I only need to connect USB or MIDI to record a pad on my computer?

Check which connections the exact model has and what your recording setup requires. Korg’s specifications list audio outputs as well as MIDI and USB connections; work out which connection carries the audible sound and which is used for performance data.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

Online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions; ACM ConsuWijzer explains the conditions. Your statutory rights are separate from any manufacturer’s warranty. If a product does not perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution.