MULTI MODE
S3000XL Operator’s Manual
Page 47
USING MULTI MODE FOR LAYERING PROGRAMS
So far we have seen how to use the MULTI mode for creating multi-timbral set-ups for
sequencing. For this, you set each of the sixteen parts to a unique MIDI channel so that
can they may all be played from a sequencer outputting a complex arrangement with
each element of the arrangement playing on a different MIDI channel.
It is also possible, however, to use the MULTI mode to layer programs. By setting more
than one part to the same MIDI channel as another, sending MIDI data on that channel
will cause both parts to play simultaneously. For example...
You have a string sound and a piano sound that you want to play together. Place the
string sound into one part and the piano into another and set the same MIDI channel for
both parts. Now, when you send MIDI data on that channel, you will play piano and
strings together. Use the LEVEL parameter to set the balance of the two parts.
Another use for this is to fatten up sounds.
Let’s imagine you have a synth bass in memory that you think could do with fattening up.
Assign the sound to, say, PART 1 and also to PART 2. Now set those two parts to the
same MIDI channel (for example, MIDI channel 1). When you send MIDI data on that
channel, both parts will play. To add the ‘fattening’, go down to the TUNE page and
detune the two parts against each other using the CENTS parameter (you could either set
one part to +10 but a better idea is to set one to -05 and the other to +05). Now play
them. In this example, one program has been layered on top of itself and detuned so
that it sounds fatter and warmer. Experiment with the FINE TUNE settings of each part to
achieve the sound you want. You may also like to experiment with the PAN settings of
each part so as to achieve a ‘pseudo stereo’ effect.
Another example may be to create a 12-string guitar out of an ordinary acoustic guitar
program. Place the guitar program into two parts and set the same MIDI channel for
those parts. Now go to the TUNE page and set one of the programs an octave up (set a
transpose value of +12) and try a bit of fine tuning to create the characteristic chorus
effect.
Of course, the same can be done with any sound from synths to strings or brass or vocal
sounds - anything in fact!
But why stop there! You can layer three parts if you wish. For example, layer two string
sounds in the same way by assigning one strings program to two parts, giving them the
same MIDI channel and detuning them. Now take a bell sound and place that in a part
and assign the same MIDI channel as the strings. Now when you send MIDI data on that
channel you will have detuned strings and bell. Experiment with tuning and panning too
(for example send one strings sound left, the other right and keep the bell sound in the
centre).
You might like to try layering more parts. For a really killer sound, why not try layering 16
programs on top of each other!
NOTE: When layering programs in this way, please note that polyphony is reduced. In the
example of layering strings and piano or the bass synth program, total polyphony will be
halved. In the case of layering three sounds, polyphony will be cut to around ten voices. If
you’re mad enough to try layering 16 programs, polyphony will be reduced to one voice!
