Who is this for?

Producer who layers sounds simultaneously

You want to hear several pad elements at once from a single key or saved setup. Korg describes the wavestate mk II as having four layers; Roland describes the JUNO-X as having four instrument parts.

Chord player who needs long release tails

You hold notes and reverb tails while playing new chords. So compare the number of voices per part in Layer mode, rather than looking only at the total polyphony figure. ASM and Novation each describe two parts with eight voices.

Home producer with an existing DAW

You want to record hardware sounds, recall them later or change them as you play. Novation documents USB MIDI and separate audio outputs for the Summit; check which connections and controls suit your recording workflow.

What should you look for when buying?

Four layers or instrument parts

Best if: you want to set up several sound elements at once and recall them as a single setup.

Bear in mind: a layer and an instrument part are not the same thing; the wavestate mk II's 96 stereo voices are not 96 voices per layer.

Two separate sounds

Best if: two independently adjustable parts are enough to combine your pad on the instrument.

Bear in mind: in Layer mode, the Summit and Hydrasynth Deluxe split their voices between two parts of eight voices each.

Morphing as you play

Best if: you want to change a combined sound expressively as you play.

Bear in mind: Arturia describes the PolyBrute 12's Layer mode as morphing within a preset, not as unlimited independent patch layering.

Recording parts separately in your DAW

Best if: you can record sounds one at a time rather than play them simultaneously.

Bear in mind: this is a recording workflow, not an additional internal layering feature; check MIDI and audio connections separately.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Several layers at once Check whether the feature involves layers, instrument parts, morphing or independent patches, and how many parts can sound at once. I want to play different pad sounds simultaneously from the instrument and recall them as one setup; around 36% of consumers prioritise simultaneous internal layers.
Voice capacity and release tails Check how voices are allocated in the mode you intend to use, and try your own sustained chords and patch settings. I want sustained notes to ring out while I play new chords; around 29% of consumers prioritise voice capacity for long chords.
Integration with your DAW Check the MIDI connection, audio outputs and available inputs on your interface. I want to record hardware sounds and recall them later within my existing studio setup; around 21% of consumers prioritise DAW connectivity.
Expressive sound changes Check which parameters you can control in your own patch using the keys, morphing or other controls. I want to change the pad as I play using key pressure or morphing; around 14% of consumers prioritise expressive sound changes.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming the total voice count is the number of voices per layer

    In Multi Patch mode, the Novation Summit splits sixteen voices between two parts of eight. ASM also states that the Hydrasynth Deluxe has two parts of eight voices each when layered.

    Compare the polyphony in the mode you plan to use, and test long chords followed by new notes.

  • Treating morphing, splits and independent patches as the same thing

    According to Arturia, the PolyBrute 12 uses a morphing setup for Layer mode; the Summit and Hydrasynth Deluxe offer two independently adjustable parts.

    Decide in advance whether you want to combine two independent sounds or change a single preset expressively.

  • Assuming USB MIDI also records audio

    Novation describes USB MIDI as well as MAIN and AUX audio outputs for the Summit. MIDI control and audio recording use different connections.

    Before buying, map out the MIDI and audio routes to your DAW separately.

    Depending on your audio interface, you may need extra audio cables or spare inputs.

Brands to compare

Korg

Worth considering for sample- and wave-sequencing pads with multiple internal layers.

  • Korg specifies four layers with vector control, 96 stereo voices and a 37-key keyboard for the wavestate mk II.
  • The 96 stereo voices do not guarantee 96 voices per layer; also consider whether 37 keys suit your playing style.

Roland

The JUNO-X is worth considering if you want to use instrument sounds as parts in a single recallable Scene.

  • Roland describes the JUNO-X as having four instrument parts and a separate drum part.
  • This layout applies to the JUNO-X; don't assume other JUNO models have the same features.

Novation

The Summit is an option if you want two independently adjustable sounds and connectivity with a MIDI studio.

  • Novation specifies sixteen voices in Single Patch mode and eight voices per part in Multi Patch mode. Its documentation also lists MAIN and AUX audio outputs and USB MIDI.
  • Try the eight-voice-per-part allocation with your own chords and release times.

ASM

According to ASM, the Hydrasynth Deluxe combines two wavetable engines with an expressive keyboard.

  • ASM specifies eight voices per part in Split or Layer mode, polyphonic aftertouch and separate stereo outputs for each part.
  • These features apply to the Deluxe variant and not necessarily to every Hydrasynth model.

Arturia

The PolyBrute 12 is worth considering if you want to shape a pad using morphing and key response.

  • Arturia lists twelve voices, FullTouch and a Layer mode with two morphing voices per note.
  • According to Arturia, the layers use morphing within a preset; this is not the same as stacking unlimited independent patches.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does my synthesizer need four internal layers if I want to record four pad sounds?

No, you can also record parts separately in a DAW; that's a different workflow from hearing them simultaneously from a single key. If you're looking for internal layers that play at the same time, Korg lists four layers for the wavestate mk II.

Why do notes drop out when I layer two patches?

One possible cause is how voices are allocated in Layer mode. Novation documents eight voices per part for the Summit in Multi Patch mode and describes voice stealing when voices run out. Test it with your own chords and patch settings.

How do I connect a hardware synthesizer to my DAW?

Keep MIDI control and audio recording separate. For the Summit, Novation describes USB MIDI and physical MAIN and AUX audio outputs. Check which connections you need for your synthesizer and interface. If Local Control is turned off on a Novation synth, you need to route MIDI back to the instrument to hear its own sound.

Can I always return a synthesizer bought online within 14 days?

No. The 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases when buying remotely from a business, but not in every situation. The Dutch government gives buying online from a private individual as an example that isn't covered by distance-selling rules. Check who the seller is and which terms apply.

What should I look for in terms of product safety in the Netherlands?

Dutch government guidance states that sellers of electrical or electronic equipment must ensure it complies with the applicable European rules. These rules may cover safety and electromagnetic compatibility, among other things. Following a conformity assessment, CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity should be included in the required documentation. A CE mark says nothing about musical quality, so check the documentation and power supply for the exact model.