Who is this choice for?

Layered pad builder

You want to combine separate sounds in a single performance and let sustained chords ring out. Korg describes two stackable programmes for the modwave mkII; Novation describes separate patches that you can layer on the Summit.

Sound designer creating movement

You want a sustained pad to evolve gradually, with control over how it changes. Korg describes motion sequencing for the modwave mkII.

Loft musician with shared walls

You’re looking for a playing and listening setup that suits the space available, while taking into account any agreements with your neighbours about noise. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance from neighbours to agree arrangements together first.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you need independent sound layers. Then consider how much room you need to play your chords, shape changes in the sound and connect your setup in the loft.

What to consider What should you look for? Who should pay particular attention?
Independent sound layers Check whether the exact model can play separate patches at the same time, and try your own sustained chords with both layers active. If I want to play two independent sounds at once, I check the layering function on the exact model. Around 33% of consumers prioritise independent layers.
Movement in the pad Try making the gradual changes you want, saving them and adjusting them while you play. I want a sustained pad to evolve gradually, with control over its movement. Around 27% of consumers prioritise changing sounds.
Space and listening Measure the space available and check that the connections suit your headphones and recording equipment. If noise might affect your neighbours, agree arrangements with them where necessary; the Dutch government advises agreeing arrangements together first. In a loft with shared walls, I want a setup that fits my space and takes my neighbours into account. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this kind of setup.
Controls and equipment Try building a pad from an empty sound, and check which connections and other equipment your way of working requires. I want to shape the sound quickly and know what I need to listen or record at home. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the controls and the complete setup.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming two engines mean two independent playable layers

    You could end up with a different way of working from the one you had in mind for a layered pad: multiple sound sources don’t automatically mean you can play two separate patches at the same time.

    Before relying on a two-part function, check whether the exact model can play two patches at once.

  • Assuming the maximum voice count is available to every patch

    A stated maximum doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much polyphony your combination of layers and sustained notes will need.

    Test your intended patch with overlapping chords and listen for notes being cut off too soon.

  • Overlooking your listening and recording setup

    The synthesiser’s connections need to suit your headphones or recording equipment.

    Before buying, compare the connections on the exact model with your equipment.

    You may need compatible cables or additional equipment for your headphones or recording setup.

Brands to consider

Korg

The modwave mkII is one option if you want to stack programmes and create a moving wavetable pad.

  • Korg lists up to 60 stereo voices, motion sequencing and a headphone output for the modwave mkII.
  • It has a 37-key keyboard, which may feel limiting if you want to play wide-ranging parts directly on the instrument. These features apply to the modwave mkII, not every Korg model.

Novation

The Summit is an option if you want to layer or split two separate patches on an instrument with a 61-key keyboard.

  • Novation specifies two parts and up to 16 voices for the Summit.
  • The parts share the available polyphony, so try your own sustained chords with the patches you’ve chosen.

Roland

The JUNO-X is an option if you want to organise sounds using scenes and parts.

  • Roland’s manual explains how to edit scenes and parts.
  • Test your intended combination of sustained sounds on the instrument; the controls described in the manual aren’t a playing test of that combination.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a compact option if you want to shape a single polyphonic sound using two engines working together.

  • Arturia specifies six voices and 37 keys for the MiniFreak.
  • Two engines don’t automatically mean two separate patch parts that you can play at the same time; test sustained chords and notes that ring out.

Synthesizers for layered pads

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are two oscillators or engines the same as two stackable pads?

No. The number of sound sources doesn’t automatically mean a synthesiser can play two independent patches at once. Novation describes this capability for the Summit; Arturia describes two engines within the MiniFreak’s sound architecture. Check the layering function on the exact model.

How do I connect a modwave mkII for private listening or stereo recording?

Korg specifies a 6.3 mm stereo headphone socket and separate L/MONO and R outputs for the modwave mkII. Check which cables and inputs your headphones or recording equipment need; the listed connections don’t mean that other equipment is included.

What cooling-off period and guarantee apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For many online purchases from a business, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to exceptions, according to the Dutch government. In addition, under the law, the seller must put things right if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use, according to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). A manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace this right.

Can I make music without limits in a converted loft?

That doesn’t depend solely on the type of property; what applies in your situation depends on the property and any relevant agreements. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance from neighbours to agree arrangements together first, for example about what time music can be played.