Multi Pads for Dance Music and for more creative options

Multi-Pads in MZ-X open up a new dimension to your performance and composition. These can trigger articulations (MIDI-generated, not alternate audio samples) that you select from a generous factory bank that ranges from bends and crescendos to choppy dance-floor gate effects. The pads can drive or be driven by the accompaniment styles that you interact with via the intro, variation/fill, and fade buttons, with everything syncing to musical key and tempo.

The Multi-Pads on the cheaper keyboards may have limited variations, Multi-Pads in top-end keyboards can help you add a new dimension to your performance (and even composition).

You can trigger various kind of effects using these pads. Pads can can trigger articulations that ranges from bends, crescendos to choppy dance-floor type of effects.

On some keyboards, the pads can drive or be driven by the accompaniment styles (nicely syncing to musical key and tempo) that you interact with via the intro, variation/fill, fade buttons (commonly found on most keyboards).

What are Multi Pads?

Multi Pads are a series of buttons on a keyboard that can be used to play a number of short pre-recorded rhythmic and melodic sequences.

All the keyboards come with a set of built-in preset Multi Pads that you can use. Entry level keyboards usually have pad phrases that simply play back as programmed.

But in the higher-end keyboards, these pad phrases automatically transpose and follow the chords that you play.

How To Use Multi Pads?

As a beginner, you may not be able to appreciate the importance of Multi Pads. But the fact is that multi-pads can be used to add impact and variety to your keyboard performances, especially if you are performing on-stage.

In addition, they can be useful between performances for introducing the musicians, or to go along with certain announcements

Multi Pads – Important Features

Here are some of the important features associated with multi-pads on Electronic Musical Keyboards.

User-Recordable Multi Pads

In addition to the preset Multi Pad sets, most keyboards have user-recordable sets that you can use to store your own creations. Using the Metronome function can make your recording sessions much more efficient.

These original User Multi Pads can be played and used in the same way as the presets. User Multi Pad data can also be saved to and loaded from floppy disks, USB drives.

Also Read: Techniques to using Multi Pads for Contemporary Dance Music

Summary – Electronic Musical Keyboards

If you have started performing on-stage recently, it is time that you have a look at the multi-pads feature of your electronic music keyboard. You can use it to add variety to your keyboard performances and also to play short rhythmic sequences between performances, say for introducing the musicians onstage.

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KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.