Conventional drum layering methods utilising audio or MIDI clips are neither fast nor seamless.

Audio clips restrain swapping or editing multiple samples, MIDI clips on separate tracks lack visual representation of waveform relationships, and a typical multi-sample drum rack requires separate MIDI notes to trigger each sample. These are just a few drawbacks, and additionally, copying and pasting stacks of clips is unhandy across all approaches.

LAYER IT integrates visual clarity of audio with flexible control of MIDI while avoiding limitations of each method. It visually resembles DAW’s arrangement view with waveforms displayed one beneath the other and the possibility to set standard parameters such as volume and pan for each layer. However, playback of the entire stack of layered samples can be triggered with an individual MIDI note or a single key press, while each sample’s time offset can be adjusted individually and synchronised with the session’s tempo.

Moreover, each layer's volume, pitch, filter frequency, and distortion amount can be defined by dedicated multi-stage envelope generators, allowing for unrivalled sound-shaping precision and enhanced sound design possibilities.

In essence, LAYER IT operates as a streamlined, self-contained DAW with MIDI-triggered playback, and additionally, the created drum stack can be exported as a single audio file to a folder or dragged directly onto the DAW’s timeline.

LAYER IT is intended for beatmakers who want to quickly add an extra layer to enhance their favourite drum sample, music producers who want to efficiently layer their drums in order to sound stylish but unique, and sound designers who want to create complex percussive textures as effortlessly as possible.

Download a completely free Lite version of the Layer It plugin.

With it, you can fully test how Layer It works and convince yourself that it’s something you won’t want to work without from now on.

Here's a table comparing the Lite version with the full version.