Layered - Creative Workflow Tips & Live Performance Advice

Layered isn’t just a sound design tool—it’s built for real-world music making. Whether you’re writing in the studio or performing live, small workflow adjustments can make a big difference.

Using Layered in Standalone Mode

• The standalone app lets you play Layered without a DAW.
• Great for live setups or when you just want to jam.
• Connect your MIDI controller, load a preset, and you’re ready to go.

Layering Strategies

• Dynamic Pairing: Stack a bright lead on top of a soft pad to create contrast.
• Octave Doubling: Load the same instrument into two voices and shift one an octave up or down for fullness.
• Rhythmic Spread: Use slightly different envelope or delay settings on voices for natural motion.

Creating “Scenes”

• Mute/Solo voices in groups to build different sections of a song.
• Switch between scenes to add variation without changing presets.
• Combine with MIDI Learn for hands-on scene control during performance.

Using Macros for On-the-Fly Control

• Assign multiple parameters to a single macro using the FX page.
• Map the Big Knob to an expression pedal, knob, or fader on your midi controller.
• Great for sweeping transitions (e.g., filter + reverb + drive at once).

CPU & Resource Tips for Performance

• Limit voices to only what you need in a live context.
• Freeze or bounce heavy patches in your DAW to save processing power.
• Keep global reverb light in live sets to reduce CPU spikes.