Track Layers

In Studio One Pro, both audio and instrument Tracks have optional layers that can be used to record multiple different ideas to a single Track. For instance, you might want to compare one set of lyrics for a vocal Track to another set of lyrics. In this case, you could record two different performances to two separate layers on a single Track and quickly switch between the two without needing a second Track.

To create a new layer on any Track, [Right]/[Ctrl]-click the Track's control area in the Arrange view, and choose Add Layer from the Layers menu. Another way is to open the Inspector by pressing [F4] on the keyboard, then selecting Add Layer from the Layer selection box. The new layer is effectively like having a whole new Track without duplicating Inserts, Sends, and I/O setup. You can also duplicate layers by selecting Duplicate Layer from the Layer selection box, which enables you to try out and compare two different edits of the same Events on two layers.

To remove a Track Layer, [Left]-click to select the Layer at the Track header (not on the Layer Event itself) and then [Right]/[Ctrl]-click and choose Remove Layer from the contextual menu. You can also group-select several layers via [Shift+Left]-click, and choose Remove Selected Layers from the contextual menu to delete several layers at a time.

Note that you cannot group select (or group Remove) multiple layers across multiple Tracks. One track at a time.

Unpack Layers to Tracks

You may wish to have several layers unpacked into normal Tracks from time to time, which will grant full mixer control of pan, level, etc. to each Layer.

You can do it in three clicks. [Left]-click to select the desired track; [Right]-click to bring up the contextual menu; then choose “Unpack Layer to Track.” You can also group-select and unpack selected Layers only using [Shift-Left click] followed by choosing or “Unpack Selected Layers to Tracks” from the contextual menu. Alternatively, holding Option/Alt while dragging a Layer will allow you to convert it into a Track.

Combine this feature with Loop Record and Record Takes to Layers for a quick and powerful way to stack vocal parts!

There are several ways to switch between layers:

• Click the arrow between the Track name and the layer name in the Track control area, then select the desired layer from the pop-up menu. After this you can use the 4-way navigation arrows on your keyboard to switch quickly between the layers.
• Click the Expand Layers button on the left side of the Track control area (), then click one of the Activate Layer buttons to make that layer the active layer for the Track. This swaps the two layers and keeps the previous Track contents as an alternate layer.
• Press [F4] to open the Inspector, click the Layers field, and select the desired layer from the pop-up menu.

Layers are also used in the comping system of Studio One Pro, as described in the Comping section of the Editing chapter of this manual.