Tips on Drum Layering....

I just got Battery 3. My 1st N.I. experience and I like what I'm seeing and hearing. Anyway, the only problem so far is How Do I Layer Drums on here? I checked out some answers on previous posts but cannot figure it out due to the answers not really having much detail. Can someone please help me out with a step by step process of how to do this Please? Really appreciate it.....

 

Here's a quick overview of 2 basic methods:

Layering within Cell
1) Load multiple samples in cell. (Select blank cell - drag samples from browser to cell)
2) Go to Mapping Tab. In Edit pane, set parameters for high low velocity, tune, volume, pan, etc. for each sample
3) Set Crossfades and Velocity min-max value: Each rectangle box represents a sample. The range where the sample rectangle appears is where you hear the note. Where it is just a clear box, it is the full sample sounding. Where it is shaded, it is fading in (at bottom of rectangle) or out (at top).

The easiest way to set range is dragging the rectangle, dragging the top or bottom to extend / shrink range. Grab center top or bottom to get cross fade range (this will appear shaded).

4) Acoustic drums often use multiple samples. If you have a large number of samples (eg 50 similar snare samples numbered snare01, snare 02), load all these and use drop down "Edit" (Edit on Mapping Tab, not main menu) to select "stack" samples. Make sure the quiet samples begin on left with louder sample going right. (usually on multi-sampled sounds, the lower number are softer).

Layering 2 or more Cells
1) Create or import cells or use existing kit. (Often Copying a cell to a second cell in new location, editing the second cell such can offer nice blend options).
2) Assign cells to same midi note number. On CELL tab, under key range hit Learn, play midi note twice --> its now assigned.
3) Set desired parameters on each cell. Most common for layering is volume level. Click on cell 1, set parameters, Click on cell 2, set parameters, etc.
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The manual covers setting up cell fairly well -- take time to read it. For learning to layer sounds, focus on understanding:
1) importing samples or cells from Browser.
2) using the Mapping page.

I'd also suggest learning edit functions on a single cell, especially understanding the Cell Tab AHDSR / AHD envelopes and start points.

To cover all the details would require more than a one page post. Hope this gets you started.

 

Thank You