The first step is to open a layer channel by right clicking on the step sequencer and selecting insert and then layer. Now insert two new samplers by right clicking and selecting insert sampler so that your step sequencer looks like this.
Load two different samples into each of the samplers (load a kick into sampler and a snare into sampler #2 for the following example).
Open the channel settings by clicking on the layer (be sure to drag the box to an empty area of the workspace). Now highlight both of the samples by clicking the green LED’s as shown in the image. Click the set children button in the channel settings – layer window. We now have the two samples controlled by the layer.
To check if the layer is linked to the two samples hit the show children button in the channel settings for the layer and the green LED’s should light up. You can layer as many samples as you please.
To have multiple samples in one piano roll open up the channel settings for the first sample and go into the MISC settings.
The mini keyboard at the bottom is used to select the root note of the sample. (This is done by right clicking a key on the mini keyboard.) The default is C5.
Now go to the MISC settings for the snare. Right click on C#5 (defining the root note) then double left click on C#5 (defining the zone for which the note will play).If you have any trouble and select the wrong root note or zone hit the reset button to clear the selection. It takes a little bit of practice to get used to.
C5 now is equal to a kick.
C#5 is now equal to a snare.
This technique is really powerful as all of the samples can be programmed through one window. Happy layering now go and create some sick Fruity Loop beats!
Thanks a bunch for this tip. I was just trying to figure out how to play a drum kit on my midi controller without having to use mpc or kontakt etc.
I’ve used the layer channel extensively to actually layer sounds, but it didn’t occur to me I could use it this way.
I was real excited when I worked this one out. FL Studio keeps doing that to you – it’s one of those programs that seems to be able to do everything and more!!
I have been looking for sites like this for a long time. Thank you!
I needed to know this for a long time. i’m glad you put this up or i’d be in the dark. i knew it could be done i just didn’t know how. I’ma tell some people about this.
I have a problem with this. When i get into the piano roll and when i try to put out a beat the kick and the snare play at the same time. Like when i hit C5 both the kick and snare play.
John, make sure you left mouse click on the mini keyboard. Define a seperate region on the keyboard for each sample by left clicking and draging across the mini keyboard. You can define a single note or a range of notes if you like.
anyone know how to make the samples cut each other? like make 1 stop playing when another is played? THANKS!
See my tutorial here for the cut cutby feature.
http://www.flstudio.org/index.php/channel-settings-cut-cutby-feature-in-fl-studio/
this is a very nice blog that you have here. keep up the good work.
i use the cut/cutby feature but for some reason inside a layer track the settings stay the same but it doesnt work
man.. your are the man.. got dayum.. couldnt get it to work the 1st time like…awwww dam.. then figured it out, soo happy i found this man.. chea
I have the same problem as John does – All of my samples play at once when I click C5 in the piano roll. I can’t quite figure out how to fix that.
Wow thanks a bunch, serously! I had seen other people do this but I had no idea how… Real life saver!
Thanks for the run down, I’ve been trying to figure out how to do this in FL Studio for ages. props
hey thanx. how do you put up all ur drum samples quickly without doing it one by one. I need to know, it will make it easier to select appropriate samples for the track.
You have to do it one by one as far as I know.
hey does this mean that i cannot change the pitch of both sounds
You can have pitch changes but you need to define the zone for which the sound will play. Right click on the keyboard to define the root note then double left click to define a zone for which the note will play.