Layering sounds is essential if you want to sound professional, and there are plenty of misleading tutorials advice on the internet on how to actually do it. But, improper layering is a definite way to make your music sound cluttered and often muddy.

Layering is the combination of multiple sounds to create a single, more complete sound. You might layer multiple synths to create a chord or lead lines, three or four snare samples to make one massive percussive hit, or soundscapes and white noise to create a textured FX.

There are no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sound layering. Instead, it’s best to find a workflow and the tools that work for you.

In this article for Studio One Expert, Brent March shows us how to use Studio One's Expander to create unique layered sounds in your music.