Where did the name synth pad come from?

The term "synth pad" likely originated from the early days of electronic music when synthesizers were first being used to create soundscapes and atmospheric textures. These sounds were often used to provide a background layer or "pad" for other instruments or vocals. As synthesizers became more popular and accessible, the term "synth pad" became widely used to describe these types of sounds.

Here are a few possible explanations for the origin of the term:

* Synthesizer: The term "synth" is short for "synthesizer," which is an electronic instrument that can create a wide variety of sounds.

* Pad: In music, a "pad" is a sustained or continuous sound that provides a background or foundation for other instruments or vocals.

* Combination: The term "synth pad" is a combination of "synth" and "pad," indicating that these sounds are created using a synthesizer and are used to provide a background or atmospheric texture.

Over time, the term "synth pad" has become a widely recognized and commonly used term in electronic music to describe these types of sounds.