‘Layer’ & ‘Split’ are two useful functions on any digital keyboard/piano. Here’s more on how to use them.
Layering Sounds
The Layer feature allows you to play multiple instrument sounds together. So you can layer (combine) a piano and a string sound together to produce a different sound altogether.
There are several uses of this feature:
- Come up with interesting sounds
- If your piano has only few instrument sounds, layering features can provide you with more options
Some keyboards will give you the option to save new sound combinations, but the entry level keyboards/piano may not provide this option (of saving the layered sound).
Splitting the Keyboard
The split feature splits the keyboard in two parts – you can assign one instrument sound to one part, and assign another instrument sound to another part.
You can choose the split point as per your preference. Most keyboard models will show the split point on the LCD display.
Here are some ways to use this feature:
- Play bass with the left hand, while the right hand plays the melody (Great for one-man situations)
- Play bass with the left hand, while the right hand plays chords. Great for accompanying a singer if there are not many musicians in the band.
- Commonly used while play lead lines, to give depth to the sound
Both the sounds can be individually configured and various settings applied (depending on the model). For example you can add chorus to one sound, and some other effect to the other. You can even adjust the volume of the individual parts.
On most keyboards, you can adjust the split point on the fly, in the middle of the performance.
Wrap Up
Keyboard players commonly use layering and the split feature, especially the split feature. Most keyboard players, even those who play for bands, split the keyboard to play bass with left hand and some other sound with right hand.
Some keyboards have a split button right in front of you on the panel. On some keyboards, such as Korg, splits and layers are handled using the COMBINATION mode. You can setup various splits (with different sounds and split points), save them and select one of those using the Combi mode.
On portable digital pianos with limited set of sounds, you can use the layering feature to come up with more interesting sounds.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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