Nightfox Audio Layered — Free Download

Hybrid Sound Design

Layered is a virtual instrument built around a simple but powerful idea: instead of relying on a single sound source, it combines a dozen distinct sampled voices into one cohesive, blended tone. This approach creates complex hybrid sounds that feel alive and detailed, far beyond what a single sample or synth layer typically achieves.

The included collection spans a wide range of sonic material, and every voice within a layer can be individually adjusted. You can apply EQ, compression, and panning to each of the twelve channels, giving you surgical control over how the different elements interact. Global mixing faders let you balance the overall blend quickly, while a dedicated visualizer helps you understand how each voice contributes to the final sound.

Performance Tools

Layered includes performance-oriented features that help you play and shape the instrument in real time. The onboard arpeggiator is fully customizable, with modes for hold, latch, and MIDI thru, allowing everything from simple rhythmic patterns to complex, evolving sequences. A dedicated melody builder works alongside the arpeggiator to generate melodic phrases, making it easier to create inspiring musical ideas without leaving the instrument.

Beyond sequencing, Layered offers a rich set of modulation options. Three LFOs—each targeting gain, pitch, and filter—come with multiple waveform choices, letting you add movement and character to any patch. The filter section provides a variety of filter types with resonance and a visual response curve.

Effect Racks and Envelope Shaping

For further tonal manipulation, Layered includes a global effects section with ten distinct effects that can be applied to the entire mix. These effects range from standard processors to more creative tools, allowing you to color the overall sound, add space, or completely transform the blend. Each of the twelve instrument channels also has its own mini effect chain, with per-voice control over pan, width, input delay, EQ, and compression.

The envelope section offers detailed control over the amplitude of each voice, with dedicated attack, hold, decay, sustain, and release parameters. A visualizer shows how these settings affect the envelope shape in real time. Additionally, portamento controls allow for smooth pitch glides between notes, adding a expressive, analogue feel.

Presets and Workflow Integration

Layered ships with an extensive library of over a thousand presets, offering a wide range of starting points for any genre or mood. These presets are not just stale snapshots; they serve as springboards for deeper customization, and you can create, save, and favorite your own presets for quick recall.

For production workflow, Layered is designed to fit smoothly into any DAW environment. All important parameters are automation-capable in major DAWs, and also fully assignable to MIDI CCs, allowing for expressive real-time control and creative automation in your mix. The availability of multiple plugin formats (AU, AAX, VST3) and a standalone app ensures broad compatibility across different systems.

Key features

• Combines a dozen sampled voices into a single hybrid instrument
• Swap each voice with any instrument from a large collected sample set
• Per-voice EQ, compression, pan, width, and input delay
• Global effects rack with dynamic processors
• Fully customizable arpeggiator with hold, latch, and MIDI thru
• Three LFOs targeting gain, pitch, and filter
• Portamento controls and comprehensive envelope editing

Best for

Layered excels at creating unique hybrid textures, evolving pads, and complex rhythmic sequences. Its per-voice processing and modulation tools make it ideal for film scoring, electronic music production, and sound design where rich, layered tonal blends are needed. The performance tools also make it a great choice for live play.