Synth pads: how to create atmospheric textures in your music

The humble synth pad doesn’t always get its dues. This subtle supporting element is widely used in electronic tracks, film and video game scores, and beyond. But it’s easily missed by listeners. Whether it’s filling out an arrangement, adding emotional depth, or heightening atmosphere and tension, synth pads play a crucial role in much modern music.

So what are synth pads exactly, and how should you use them in your music? In this article, we’ll dive deep into pads. We’ll explain their key characteristics, explore the best synth for pads to suit your project, and show you how to make your own synth pads from scratch. Once you recognize the power of a simple synth pad, you’ll be using pads in pretty much everything you produce.

Follow along using Massive X, a next-generation synthesizer for professional, cutting-edge sound design, with flexible routing and extensive modulation...