Layered - Per-Voice Sound Shaping Controls

Each voice in Layered isn’t just an instrument—it’s its own customizable channel. With built-in EQ, compression, panning, width, and delay options, you can sculpt every layer of your sound precisely the way you want it. This article explains how to use these controls effectively.

Overview of Per-Voice Controls

Every voice slot has a dedicated control panel, accessible by clicking the name of the voice. These controls only affect the selected voice, not the others in your mix. This makes it possible to fine-tune each instrument in a layered stack for clarity, balance, and depth.

Voice

Panning: Moves the voice left or right in the stereo field.
Width: Adjusts how spread out the voice sounds.
Creative Use:
- Pan different voices apart to create stereo separation.
- Widen a pad while narrowing a bass for clarity.
Input Delay: Adds a tiny delay (in miliseconds) to a single voice
Uses:
- Create stereo width by offsetting left/right voices slightly.
- Add a subtle “chorus-like” effect by delaying one voice against another.

Equalizer (EQ)

Purpose: Carves out space in the frequency spectrum.
How to Use:
- Boost frequencies to highlight character (e.g., add presence to a guitar).
- Cut frequencies to reduce muddiness (e.g., low-cut on pads).
Tip: When stacking multiple voices, use EQ to ensure they don’t fight for the same space.

Compressor

Purpose: Controls the dynamic range of a voice.
How to Use:
- Apply light compression to smooth out uneven levels.
- Use stronger compression to make a voice punchier or more consistent.
Example: Tighten up a plucky synth so it sits firmly in the mix alongside a pad.

Combining Controls for Creative Results

The true power of per-voice shaping comes from using these tools together:

EQ + Pan: Separate instruments across the spectrum and stereo field.
Compression + Width: Keep layers controlled while making pads sound expansive.
Delay + EQ: Add movement and shimmer without crowding the low end.