Who is this buying guide for?

Chord player

Wants to play two separate pad sounds at the same time and let long notes ring out. Korg, Novation and ASM describe ways to combine sounds or parts on specific models.

Sound designer

Wants to shape movement and texture themselves. Look at which sound sources and processing options are available, and whether multiple engines create independent layers or work together within a single patch. Arturia describes the MiniFreak as having two sound engines.

Shared music room user

Needs to match the keyboard range, available space and audio or MIDI connections to the shared setup.

What should you look for?

When choosing a synthesiser for layered pads in a shared music room, consider independent sound layers, sound editing, connections to your setup and playing space.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Two sound layers Check whether two separate Programs or parts can play at the same time, and how many voices remain per part. I want to play two different sounds on the same keys and let chords ring out; around 36% of consumers prioritise independent layers.
Sound editing See which sound sources, modulation and effects you can adjust and save. If I want to shape a pad’s movement and texture myself, I look at the available editing options; around 29% of consumers put sound programming first.
Connections to the room setup Compare the mixer or interface’s audio inputs and your preferred MIDI connection with the connections on the exact model. When I need to connect the instrument to the equipment already in the room, I want to know in advance which connections will work; around 21% of consumers prioritise compatibility with the room setup.
Keys and space Measure the available space and try playing your usual chords on a keyboard of the size you’re considering. If I need to share space but still want to reach notes easily on the keyboard, I weigh up size against playing range; around 14% of consumers prioritise this trade-off.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming the maximum voice count applies to each layer

    The Novation Summit and ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe are described as having eight voices per part in two-part or layer mode. That is not the same as having sixteen voices per layer.

    Compare the polyphony in the playing mode you’ll use for your pad, and try playing long chords with sustain.

  • Assuming two sound engines mean two independent keyboard parts

    Sound sources within one patch and two independently playable parts meet different playing needs.

    Check the manual or ask the retailer whether the exact model supports the layering setup you want.

  • Not checking the connections against the room setup

    Audio and MIDI connections are only useful if they match the equipment and workflow of the existing setup.

    Make a note of the available inputs and connections you need, then compare them with the model’s connections.

    You may need suitable cables to connect the instrument to the equipment in the room.

Brands to consider for this choice

Korg

The modwave mkII is worth considering for compact wavetable pads with two combinable Programs.

  • Korg lists up to 60 stereo voices and a 37-key keyboard. These are modwave mkII specifications, not the results of an independent performance test.
  • Check that the keyboard range and connections suit your room setup.

Novation

The Summit is worth considering if you want two independent parts and a 61-key keyboard.

  • According to the Novation manual, the Summit has sixteen voices in single mode and 2 × 8 voices in two-part mode.
  • Allow for the space required by the larger keyboard, and compare the polyphony in the mode you’ll use.

ASM

The Hydrasynth Deluxe is an option for expressive playing with two layers.

  • ASM lists two eight-voice engines in layer mode and 73 keys with polyphonic aftertouch.
  • These features apply to the Deluxe version; don’t assume they’re available on other Hydrasynth models. They are not an independently verified benefit for every player.

Arturia

The MiniFreak may suit sound design with multiple engines in a compact instrument.

  • Arturia describes two sound engines and a range of sound-editing options.
  • Two engines don’t confirm that two independent patches can play at the same time as keyboard layers. If this is essential, check that the model supports this setup before buying.

Related products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a synthesiser with two oscillators automatically suitable for two independent pad layers?

No. Check whether two separate Programs or parts can play at the same time on the same keys. Novation and ASM describe this mode for the Summit and Hydrasynth Deluxe.

How can I try a layered pad before buying?

Set up two different sounds to play at the same time, then play chords with sustain and let the notes ring out. Also check the voice allocation in the mode you’ve chosen: Novation describes the Summit’s two-part mode as having 2 × 8 voices.

Which connections should I check for the music room?

First, make a note of the inputs on the mixer or audio interface already in the room, and decide whether you want to use MIDI. Korg lists L/MONO and R audio outputs, MIDI IN/OUT and USB-B among the modwave mkII’s connections. Check which cables and connections will work with the setup you’ll actually be using.

What about returns and warranties when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible consumer distance purchases, the Dutch government says you usually have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions may apply. There is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, contact the seller, who is responsible for supplying a product that meets legal requirements.

Is a CE mark, on its own, an independent certification of sound quality or safety?

No. According to the European Commission, the CE mark is the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with the applicable EU rules. The rules that apply to a specific version must be checked for each product.