Re: Novice question

[Mike.Biffle@wj.com (Mike Biffle)]

I call this a pad because it supports more obvious melody. Synth sounds 
which do
this are usually called pads. I'm not sure where the term really 
originated.

I also call them clouds or washes as well.

Hope that helps...
-mb

*************************************************

Mike.Biffle wrote that swelling echo pads on preferred notes produces nice 
dense
backdrops during solos as well as allows
chords to float across bar lines while moving on to other figures.  and 
also
mentioned quick pad-like atmospheres.

I'm new to this and not familiar with the term PAD.  What does that mean.