S-Layer
Twisted Tools S-Layer Plugin
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Welcome
Thanks for purchasing S-LAYER. We hope you enjoying using this tool as much as we enjoyed making it!
S-LAYER is a very unique sampler instrument, built around the concept of taking sounds and layering them together in clever ways to create new sound combinations. Because you can load your own samples, S-LAYER is well suited to any style of music production as well as sound design for film, television and games.
Load up kick drums and S-LAYER will spit out new kick drum variations. Load up whooshes and you’ll get more whooshes. Load up a variety of sounds and you’ll get some things that truly defy description, but are simply jaw dropping.
The S-LAYER interface is slick and quick to use. A unique and beautiful wave display helps to illustrate what you’re hearing. While you can easily just hit random and drag some sliders around until you hear something you like, there are over 330 different parameters and controls to work with should you choose to edit your sound combinations with precision!
Have fun!
Twisted Tools
System Requirements
In order to use our Powered by Reaktor instruments and effects, you will need to meet the following system requirements for optimal performance:
System RequirementsInstallation
All Twisted Tools plugins follow a similar installation process. To learn how to install Twisted Tools Powered by Reaktor plugins, please follow the link below:
InstallationManual Conventions
Important warnings. Always read these!
Notes: Useful notes and relevant additional information.
What is S-LAYER
S-LAYER is a sample layering sound creation tool for Native Instruments Reaktor and free Reaktor Player. It allows you to create, edit and play new sound combinations by taking samples and layering them together using an eight part sampler and an intuitive cell layout. By combining sounds from the included sample map or your existing sample library, S-LAYER facilitates the discovery of new oneshots, sound effects and loops using your pre-existing sample content. Whether you’re looking for a new way to create thick drum samples for hip-hop or a massive impact sound effect for game, S-LAYER delivers unique sound combinations to suit your needs.
With S-LAYER, up to eight parts are played back and manipulated simultaneously using an advanced layered sampler engine, where each layer remains independent and can be surgically edited. Time-tested sound design techniques such as reversing, pitching, modulating and mixing sounds together can be quickly achieved by randomizing and fine-tuning with sliders and knobs. In addition to the on-board granular, filter and time-based effects, you can also connect your own effects using the insert/send system or by using the direct outputs. Once you’ve found a sound combination that you like, you can store it on-the-fly in one of eight ‘Scenes’ which can be dynamically played using MIDI.
How is it designed to work?
S-LAYER is a sampler that plays pre-recorded sounds or sounds that you load. It can be played via MIDI and/or by using your mouse. It runs inside of Reaktor in either plugin mode or standalone mode.
Each time you play a note on your MIDI keyboard or hit the TRIG button, up to eight samples from the sample map will be played back simultaneously. You can randomize or specify which samples play back and then edit each of the layers independently using sliders and toggle controls.
The parameters for each layer are laid out in a horizontal row as sliders and are grouped into cells by parameter type. You can think of each row as a track or an independent sample layer with its own settings. You can make adjustments to the individual sliders or to the cell as a whole by using the range sliders below the cell or by using randomization and modulation. There are a total of four parameter pages that give you access to 25 controls for each layer.
S-LAYER Feature Highlights
Advanced layered sampler engine with granular capabilities and BPM stretching
Layered playback and editing of up to eight samples simultaneously
Intuitive and fast parameter cell interface
Independent sampler, filter, grain and fx send controls per layer
Extensive randomization options
4 assignable Modulation Sequencers with independent speed and length controls
4 assignable Wrapper knobs to offset cell slider positions and modulate live
8 Scenes per preset that store and recall parameter settings and modulation
Insert/FX Send system to connect and modulate your own effects
Transpose Mode to play layered sound combinations chromatically
Direct Outs per voice for Multi-Out Instrument support using DAWs or hardware effects
128 samples included in the default sample map
Sample content and sound design by: Antonio Blanca, Richard Devine, Delect (Chris De Luca/Leonard De Leonard), EVAC, Glitchmachines, Mike Huckaby, Jedsound, Miguel Isaza, pNORTNAOMI, Surachai and Tonebuilder
Getting Started with S-LAYER
The following sections will give you a very quick overview of how to get going with S-LAYER. We will explain how to open S-LAYER and how to explore and use the default factory Presets and Scenes (sub-presets). Lastly, we’ll look at randomizing.
How to Open S-LAYER ---
WelcomeExploring Snapshots and Scenes
Snapshots
A Snapshot is a preset.You can change a snapshot by using the snapshot drop down in the Main Bar. You can click the TRIG button near the top of the interface to trigger the default Snapshot.
Triggering and Playing Scenes
Each S-LAYER Preset has eight Scenes. You can think of the Scenes as sub-presets contained within each Preset that contain most of the controls. The Scenes can be played using MIDI or by selecting a Scene with your mouse and clicking the Scene TRIG button in the master section.
To select and play a Scene with your mouse:
Select a Scene by clicking the number buttons with your mouse.
Click the master TRIG button to play a Scene.
To select and play a Scene with your keyboard:
Play notes C3 - G3 to select and play the Scenes on-the-fly.
Click the TRANSPOSE button to play the last selected Scene chromatically.
Click the Keyboard icon to return to using your MIDI keyboard to play and switch Scenes.
Randomizing Scenes
Clicking the Master RND button will randomize certain aspects of your Scene. Which aspects it randomizes depends on which areas are set to Master Random Active. Throughout the interface you’ll find small orange dots. These orange dots are Master Random Active toggles and determine whether that area is setup to receive randomization when using the Master RND button.
You can toggle all areas on and off by clicking the orange Master Random Active Flip button in the master area shown below.
To randomize various aspects of your Scene:
Select the ONESHOT Snapshot in the BASICS bank.
Click the Master RND button in the master section.
Notice how the sound changes. This is because the SAMPLE Cell has Master Random Active on, as indicated by the orange dot.
Next, click the Master Random Active toggle button located beneath the PITCH Cell.
Click the Master RND button at the top of the interface.
Notice how both the SAMPLE and PITCH cells are randomized when clicking the Master RND button.
You can still use the individual Parameter Cell ‘Rnd’ buttons regardless of the Master Random Active state.
3.2.1 Saving Snapshots using the Sidepane --------
As you work, you’ll make modifications and changes to the Snapshots. Naturally, you’ll want to save these.
WelcomePreset Banks Described
There are plenty of Presets to help get you started with S-LAYER. Most Presets include eight Scenes as well, so don’t forget to check those out by switching Scenes as described above.
S-LAYER’s Presets are organized into the following categories:
BASICS: Basic Presets to help learn about S-LAYER or start from scratch.
ONESHOTS: Each Preset features a layered oneshot sound and Scene variations of that sound.
VARIOUS: A bank featuring different types of Presets. In this bank, you’ll find drum kits laid out using Scenes, transposable instruments, loops, looped oneshots and anything that wasn’t a simple oneshot variation or basic Preset.
ARTIST: This bank features Presets by different artists. We hope to add more here in the future.
You can easily export and share your Snapshot banks. They don’t contain the included sounds and are just Snapshots (presets), so they’re quite small and easy to email. We don’t mind you sharing Snapshots at all, just as long as you do not share the included sample library content. To export and save your Snapshots (without the samples), simply click the ‘Edit’ menu in the Snapshots Banks area.
Using your own samples ----
While the default sample map and presets should keep you busy for a long time, S-LAYER is a sampler that generates sound combinations using sample content. At some point, you’ll want to load up your own sounds and see what can be done. The more variety you put in, the more variety it will spit out.
WelcomeOverview of S-LAYER
In this section of the manual, we’ll examine the interface, look at basic signal flow principles and explain all the S-LAYER controls.
There are two ways you can approach S-LAYER. You can hit random and drag sliders around until you hear something you like or you can spend time fine-tuning your sound combinations with precision. For starters, we recommend you begin exploring by looking at the Getting Started section to get familiar with Presets and Scenes.
The Interface
[1] The Master area: Contains universal controls which are not stored with Scenes, but are stored with Presets.
[2] The Wave Display area: Contains a visualizer showing sample layer activity.
[3] The Parameter area: Contains all the main parameters for the eight sample layers along with randomization and modulation destination controls.
[4] The Modulation area: Contains four Modulation Sequencers and four modulation Wrapper controls.
[5] The Scenes area: Contains Root Note control for MIDI in, Scene selectors, Copy/Paste and Transpose mode.
[6] The External effects: Contains the default External effects connect to S-LAYER’s insert/send system. These effects can be easily switched out for your own effects.
The Signal Flow
All cyan colored text in the Signal Flow Diagram image indicates controls/settings stored within a Scene, while Yellow text indicates controls that are globally stored with each Preset.
The signal flow diagram above flows from left to right, beginning with MIDI input and ending with the master Volume. MIDI in or clicking the TRIGGER button in S-LAYER’s Master area will trigger one of eight Scenes.
A triggered Scene simultaneously plays up to eight sampler layers, which you can think of as independent parts. Each layer is stacked vertically and grouped by parameter into Parameter Cells. Sliders and toggles allow you to fine tune each layer’s parameters.
The Parameter Cells are laid out horizontally across four main pages (MAIN, FX, ENV, EXT):
Standard sampler parameters and additional effects/controls (Granulation, Filtering, Reversing and Looping) can be found within the MAIN, FX and ENV pages. The layers are combined and sent out for tuning (TUNE), before reaching the Master Decay (DEC) and Master Volume (VOL) stages.
Each layer can also be split and sent independently to two effects, using the INS./ SEND Cell Sliders. Using these Sliders, each layer can be sent to one of two external effects, either as Inserts or Sends. By default, we’ve included two example effects (NANOVERB and DELAY) which are connected to INS./SENDS 1-2 respectively. You’ll also find modulation routing on the EXT. page which allows you to modulate your external effects. Read more about modulation in the Modulation section.
Lastly, beneath each parameter cell, you’ll find Cell Range, Randomization and Modulation controls that allow you to further manipulate each Parameter Cell as a whole. More on that in the next section.
The Parameter Pages
In this section we’ll look at the common controls you’ll find throughout the interface and explain what each Parameter Cell does.
Working with Parameter Cells
The Parameter Cells and their additional controls, are the heart of S-LAYER. Most of your time in S-LAYER will be spent using these controls to change the various attributes of your sound. Let’s look at some examples to see what makes up a Parameter Cell.
[1] Cell Label: Each Parameter Cell has a name that identifies it. Most cell labels can be clicked to reset the sliders to their default state.
The Strt | Delay cell label can be clicked to change the cell your viewing and working with, though they are entirely independent cells and controls. Right-click these labels to reset the cell.
The Ins./Send Parameter Cell has a main label that works a bit differently. The label can be clicked to switch the behavior of the cell to be either an Insert or a Send. Right-click these labels to reset the cells.
[2] Cell Slider: Sets the value for the Parameter Cell for that layer. Cell Sliders 1-8 correspond to Layers 1-8 (top to bottom). Click and drag from left/right to adjust the values. Double-click to isolate the slider from being affected by randomization or modulation. The slider darkens to indicate it is isolated. Right-click to Set to Default or MIDI & OSC Learn.
[3] Cell Range Slider: Sets the minimum and maximum values for the Cell Sliders.
[4] Cell Randomizer: Randomizes the Cell Sliders. Clicking on the left side of the randomizer randomizes less than clicking towards the right side which randomizes more!
[5] Master Random Active Toggle: If on, clicking the Master RND button in the Master area will randomize this Parameter Cell. If off, clicking the RND button in the Master area won’t randomize this Parameter Cell.
[6] Cell Modulation Selectors: The Cell Modulation Selectors allow you route any of S-LAYER’s four Modulation Sequencers (found in the Modulation area) to the Parameter Cell. The modulation sequencer values are added to the Cell Sliders values.
[7] Cell Modulation Slide: Adds a ‘glide’ effect to the incoming modulation from arriving from Modulation Sequencers A, B, C or D. This smooths out incoming modulation by making the signal changes more gradual.
[8] Cell Modulation Spread: Increasingly offsets the modulation values for each layer by fanning the values out.
[9] Mini-Cell Toggles: Certain Parameter Cells have additional Mini-Cells to the left or right of the main cell area. These mini cells are on/off toggles or settings for each layer.
[10] Mini-Cell Label/Switcher: The Mini-Cell label identifies the function of the Mini-Cell Toggles. You can switch between sets of settings by clicking the Mini-Cell Label.
[11] Mini-Cell Master Random Active Toggle: If on, clicking the Master RND button in the Master area will randomize this Mini-Cell cell. If off, clicking the RND button in the Master area won’t randomize this Mini-Cell.
[12] Quantize: The Pitch cell and the Start cell have a quantize icon. When on, the values are quantized. For Pitch this means semi-tones and for Start this means 1/16th notes.
[13] Cell Lock: The Cell Lock button appears automatically when using BPM mode on Parameter Cells whose Slider settings might affect the timing of a layer. The Pitch, Start, Grain and Stretch cells each have a Cell Lock button which will temporarily bypass the cell’s problematic sliders. Bypassed sliders are dark colored and clicking them results in a flashing BPM button to indicate that the Cell Slider is locked. You can manually click the Cell Lock to toggle it off if desired, but this may result in layers timing to not be synced to the BPM. See the Master Area section of this guide for more information on working with BPM mode.
The Parameter Cells and Pages Defined
There are four main Parameter Pages with Parameter Cells and controls. In this section we will define each page and its controls.
The MAIN Page - The main sampler engine parameters:
REV: Reverses playback.
SPEED: Adjusts the playback speed when BPM mode is on. 1x = original speed, 2x = half-speed, /2 = double-speed.
PHASE: Inverts the phase (polarity) of the signal.
SAMPLE: Determines which of the 128 samples to playback.
STRT | DLY: Adjusts the sample playback start position when STRT is selected and adjusts the start delay time when DLY is selected (up to 1000ms). Keep in mind that these are two completely independent cells with independent controls. Right-click these cell labels to reset these cells.
PITCH: Adjusts the sample playback pitch.
PAN: Adjusts the left/right pan position.
VOLUME: Adjusts the volume.
SOLO: Solos layer (solo is only active if solo Label Switcher is selected) and layer will be highlighted.
MUTE: Mutes layer.
MONO: Sums layer to mono.
The FX Page - The sampler FX parameters:
GRAIN ON: Turns on the granular sampler engine mode.
GRAIN: Sets the grain size for the granular sampler engine.
STRETCH: Sets the speed of the grain playback.
CUTOFF: Sets the cutoff frequency.
RESONANCE: Sets the filter resonance amount.
FILTER MODE: Crossfade for the filter type. Left position = Lowpass. Middle position = OFF. Right position = Highpass.
The ENV Page - The envelope parameters:
LOOP: Turns on looping for the selected layer so that the sound repeats as long as the Scene is being triggered.
ATTACK: Time it takes for volume to reach maximum amplitude once sound is triggered.
HOLD: Time the sound sustains after attack, before the decay stage begins.
DECAY: Time it takes for sound to reach the sustain level.
SUSTAIN: Volume at which the sound sustains while you hold a note or while a gate message is present.
RELEASE: Time it takes for the sound to return to zero (off) once a note has been released or the Trig message ends.
The EXT Page - The external FX and modulation matrix parameters:
INS./SEND 01: Amount sliders that route layers to either the insert or send path that connects to external effect 01 (Nanoverb by default - can be changed to your own effect). Clicking the Label/Switcher changes Cell behavior from inserts to sends.
INS./SEND 02: Amount sliders that route signal to either the insert or send path that connects to external effect 02 (Delay by default - can be changed to your own effect). Clicking the Label/Switcher changes Cell behavior from inserts to sends.
EXTERNAL MODULATION MATRIX: The External Modulation Matrix allows you to use S-LAYER’s Modulation Sequencers to send data to other Reaktor instruments/effects or any device capable of receiving MIDI. For details on using the External Modulation Matrix, see this section.
STEREO/MULTI-OUT SWITCHER: Changes the output behavior from Stereo to Multi-Out. When in Multi-Out mode, layers are routed directly to Reaktor’s independent outputs without being summed. This way you can process each layer independently using a multi-out capable DAW or hardware interface.
For more info how to connect and use the multi-outs, see the section entitled Connecting your own effects.
Working with Modulation
S-LAYER has four Modulation SEQUENCERS and four WRAPPER Knobs which can be routed to modulate the Parameter Cell controls in realtime.
The Modulation Sequencers
S-LAYER has four Modulation Sequencers, labelled A, B, C and D. They are located in the Modulation area and can be accessed by clicking the button label that says SEQUENCERS.
You can think of the Modulation Sequencers as automation patterns that can be used in a way that is similar to traditional LFOs and Envelopes. The Modulation Sequencers can create patterns that repeat (like an LFO) or patterns that stop and hold the last value (like an Envelope).
The Modulation Sequencers can be routed to any of the Parameter Cells (and combined together by selecting more than one) by using the Cell Modulation Selectors described above.
All the controls are independent for each Modulation Sequencer’s A, B, C and D. Simply drag and draw steps in the Modulation Sequencer or use some of the modulation settings to create and manipulate patterns. Right-click and drag to lock the Y axis in place as you draw.
[1] Modulation Page Label/Switcher: Identifies the the currently selected modulation page, Sequencers or Wrappers.
[2] Modulation Selector: Identifies which of the four Modulation Sequencers you are viewing and editing.
[3] Edit Functions: Copy, Paste and Reverse a selection or the entire pattern. A selection can be made by using the Modulation Sequencer Cycle Area [11] control.
[4] Master Random Active Toggle: If on, clicking the Master Rnd button in the Master area will randomize this Modulation Sequencer. If off, clicking the Rnd button in the Master area won’t randomize this Modulation Sequencer.
[5] Waveform Patterns: These buttons will auto insert a waveform shape into the currently selected area. The patterns are Soft Random, Random, Sine, Square, Triangle and Sawtooth. You can use the Reverse Edit button to flip your pattern.
[6] Waveform Bend: Bends and rolls the shape of the waveform to create unique wave shapes.
[7] Smooth: Turns on smoothing between each step. If off, you will hear value changes instantly. If on, changes between values will be smooth. Use off for ‘sample & hold’ type effects.
[8] Speed: The Modulation Sequencer’s playback speed. Drag to change.
[9] Loop Mode: Turns on modulation cycling, so that the pattern repeats as long as an incoming note is held down. If off (grey), the pattern will playback until a note or trigger is released at which point the last value will hold.
[10] Power: Turns the current Modulation Sequencer on or off.
[11] Cycle Area: Sets the length and playback range of the Modulation Sequencer. Also affects the Edit Functions [3] range.
The External Modulation Matrix
S-LAYER’s Modulation Sequencers can be sent out of S-LAYER to other Reaktor instruments/effects or hardware synths and DAWs using MIDI.
The EXTERNAL MODULATION MATRIX is used to make routing assignments and is found in the EXT Parameter Page.
[1] Modulation Source Menu: Selects the Modulation Sequencer source for the routing destination assignment made below it.
[2] Modulation Destination Menu: Selects the type of signal that you’d like to be sent from the Modulation Sequencer selected above it.
Modulation Destination types:
IC SEND: Used to route signal internally to Reaktor Instrument parameters.
MIDI CC: Used to route out a standard MIDI CC event.
MIDI NOTE: Used to route out MIDI notes.
[3] Assignment Menu: Assign IC Send destinations or a MIDI value.
[4] Modulation Output Range: Adjusts the Min/Max range of the external modulation signal.
The Wrapper Knobs
S-LAYER has four WRAPPER Knobs that offset the slider positions of an entire Parameter Cell. They’re called Wrappers because the offset is relative to the position of the Cell Parameter Sliders. In most cases, this means that the Sliders will wrap around and start over at zero as you twist the Wrapper Knob.
Any Wrapper Knob can be assigned to any of the Parameter Cells by using a simple drop-down menu and the assignment is stored with the Preset. Only one assignment per Wrapper is possible.
[1] Modulation Page Label/Switcher: Identifies the the currently selected modulation page, Sequencers or Wrappers.
[2] Wrapper Knob: The Wrapper Knob offsets the assigned Parameter Cell values by adding the Knob value to the current Parameter Cell values.
[3] Wrapper Assignment Menu: Assigns a Wrapper to a Parameter Cell. Click the page buttons at the top of the menu to switch assignment pages.
Working with Scenes
Each S-LAYER Preset has eight Scenes. You can think of the Scenes as sub-presets contained within each Preset. A Scene contains all the the Parameter Page settings and controls as well as the Modulation Sequencer controls.
The Wrapper Knobs are NOT included with Scenes. They are stored with the Preset.
Scenes can be played using MIDI or by selecting a Scene with your mouse and clicking the Scene TRIG button in the master section. In Reaktor standalone mode, you can also use your QWERTY keyboard to simulate playing a MIDI keyboard.
[1] Scene MIDI: When active, MIDI input will trigger the Scenes by playing chromatically, starting at note C3. The root note can be adjusted by octave, dragging the value.
[2] Scene Root: Sets the root note (by octave) for MIDI playback of the Scenes. By default C3-G3 will playback scenes 1-8.
[3] Scene Copy: Copies the entire Scene (Parameter Page settings and Modulation Sequencers).
[4] Scene Selectors: Selects a Scene to playback.
[5] Scene Paste: Pastes the last copied Scene into the currently selected Scene.
[6] Scene Transpose: Transposes the current Scene so that you can play it chromatically. When Transpose is active, MIDI IN will Transpose the current Scene and will not switch between scenes. You can still use your mouse to select Scenes when in Transpose mode.
The Master Area
The Master Area contains universal controls which are not stored with the individual Scenes, but are stored with Presets.
[1] BPM: When BPM mode is active, the layers will stretch to fit the current BPM by using either Pitch or Grain stretching methods. Different layers can be set to different stretching methods. Depending on the method you choose, different Parameter Cell sliders will become locked as described below. In either case the Start Parameter Cell will be locked by default to ensure that the Start time is set to zero for your samples. This ensures BPM synchronization. This can be undone by clicking the Lock icon. Furthermore, you can quantize the Start time by clicking the Note icon next to the Start Cell.
Pitch Stretching:
When Grain Mini-Cell is OFF for a given layer, the sample will stretch to fit the current BPM by automatically changing their pitch.
When using BPM Pitch Stretching, a Lock icon appear next to the Pitch Cell, indicating that you have at least one layer that is set to Pitch Stretching. Layers that are locked are indicated by a dark horizontal Cell Slider that can’t be dragged. If you attempt to drag a locked Slider, the BPM button will Blink to indicate that the Cell Slider is locked. You can ‘unlock’ a Parameter Cell by clicking the lock button, but then the automatic BPM adjustments will be offset by any change you make. This may result in something interesting, though it is not recommended if your’e after tight synchronization.
Grain Stretching:
When Grain Mini-Cell is ON for a given layer, the sample will stretch to fit the current BPM by using granular stretching while preserving the pitch of the original sample.
When using BPM Grain Stretching, a Lock icon appear next to the Grain and Stretch Cells, indicating that you have at least one layer that is set to Grain Stretching. Layers that are locked are indicated by a dark horizontal Cell Slider that can’t be dragged. If you attempt to drag a locked Slider, the BPM button will Blink to indicate that the Cell Slider is locked. You can ‘unlock’ a Parameter Cell by clicking the lock button, but then the automatic BPM adjustments will be offset by any change you make. This may result in something interesting, though it is not recommended if you’re after tight synchronization.
[2] Glide: When GLIDE is active, playing MIDI notes on your keyboard will create a portamento or pitch gliding effect. You will hear this effect when playing two Scenes with different Pitch Parameter Cell settings or when playing a Scene using different notes in Transpose mode.
[3] Velocity: When VEL is active, playing MIDI notes at different velocity affect the output volume of your layered sound (pre-master Volume).
[4] Rnd: When the Master RND button is triggered, the current Scene is Randomized. Clicking the Master Rnd button will only randomize certain aspects of your Scene. Which aspects it randomizes depends on which areas are set to Master Random Active.Throughout the interface you’ll find small orange dots. These orange dots are Master Random Active toggles and determine whether that area is setup to receive randomization when using the Master Rnd button.
[5] Auto Randomize Scene: Activating this toggle will turn on Auto Randomize Scene and the toggle will turn blue. When Auto Randomize Scene is on, playing a Scene using MIDI notes will automatically randomize that Scene. This way you can always randomize and trigger a Scene when playing it. When you find a sounds you like and want to keep, you can turn Auto Randomize Scene off.
[6] Trigger Scene: Pressing TRIG will trigger the current Scene which will playback for as long as you hold the button down.
You may trigger and hold a Scene, but find that the sound cuts off early. This may be because of the ENV page Parameter Cell control settings for AHDSR. If you have layers that end before the Scene Trigger is released, you may think something isn’t working. Be sure to check your AHDSR settings.
[7] Random Active Flip: Flips all the Master Random Active toggles on or off when clicked.
[8] Tune: Controls the overall tuning (pitch) for the current Preset.
[9] Decay: Controls the overall decay envelope (decay) for the current Preset, effectively shortening the length of all Scenes by applying a gradual decrease in volume each time you trigger a Scene.
[10] Auto: Auto volume control that prevents clipping. When you turn on AUTO, depending on the number of active voices, the volume will decrease to prevent clipping. For example, if only two voices are active, each voice will be dropped approximately 3dB. Use this feature if you would like to be sure that your layered sound never clips.
[11] Vol: Master volume control determines the final output level of your layered sound and effects.
[12] Master Limiter: Limits the volume output to prevent clipping by reducing signals over 0dB. Use the Volume knob to increase input into the Limiter to achieve more extreme limiting effects.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Sometimes you might run into trouble when using S-LAYER. In this section we’ll go over some of the common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them.
Can I use the Reaktor Player with S-LAYER?
Yes!
Can I use my own samples?
Of course you can. Just right-click the folder icon on the wave display and open the sample map editor. Check out the Using your own samples section of this guide for more information.
Why can’t I add my own samples and click the folder to edit my map?
In Reaktor 5.7, you’ll need to turn on Edit mode in order to edit ensembles like S- LAYER. Click the structure icon next to the main snapshot menu to turn on Edit mode.
I can’t hear anything.
Is your track record enabled (plug-in mode only)? Is Reaktor setup as an instrument(plug-in mode only)? Have you setup your Audio & MIDI Settings underFile>Audio & MIDI Settings (standalone mode only)? Are you sending MIDI note C3-G3 to trigger scenes? Have you turned the Volume knob down by accident? Have you accidentally randomized the Volume cell or your Envelope Cells?
The scene buttons aren’t working.
Is the Transpose mode on? If so, MIDI note input will transpose your sound but not change your Scene.
I’m hearing lots of clicks when playing Scenes.
S-Layer has hundreds of controls and changing Scenes can be heavy on some computer CPU’s. Often times you’ll hear pops and clicks when changing Scenes on some machines. To fix this, you should also set your Audio driver buffer size higher. Usually a setting of 512 or 1024 will immediately solve the problem, but will introduce latency. Either way, if you bounce offline, you should notice that the clicks and pops disappear. Some hosts have a ‘Processor Buffer’ setting, which is different from your Audio Driver buffer. If your host has this setting, be sure to set this to ‘Large’ (Logic Pro>Preferences>Audio>Processor Buffer) or ‘Same as Audio Driver’ (Ableton>Preferences>CPU>Plugin Buffer) If using Logic Pro, select another track when you’re not using S-Layer or when you want to reduce CPU load that may be causing clicks. By selecting another track, Logic goes out of ‘Live Mode’ and S-Layer CPU will be much improved when Scene switching. S-Layer is monophonic and when you play a new Scene, it interrupts the last Scene. Sometimes this results in clicks if you have sounds with long releases. One method you can use to eliminate clicks sometimes can be to make sure you have no overlapping notes or adjust the release time.
Can I adjust the Delay Cell length to be longer?
Yes! In Edit mode, just jump into the top level of S-Layer’s structure and adjust the DLY module’s value in its properties, found in the function tab.
All my loops are playing at the wrong speed in BPM mode.
Sometimes the BPM detection interprets slow loops or fast loops incorrectly as being half-speed or double speed. If this is the case, click the SPEED Mini-Cell to the left of the main Sample cell and adjust the speed factor for the layer that is playing at the wrong speed.
No matter what, all I hear is one layer.
Is SOLO mode on? Click on the Label/Switcher to switch back to MUTE mode which will turn off Solo mode.
I’m trying to adjust a slider in a cell, but it won’t let me!
Are you in BPM mode? If so, certain sliders will be ‘locked’ in order to keep things in sync with the BPM. Please see the BPM Mode section in this guide for a full explanation.
Changelog
1.0.0 RP (Reaktor Player release)
S-Layer is now Reaktor Player compatible and does not require the full version of Reaktor to run
NKS browser integration
Light Guide support for the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboards
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