Composing in Layers
Generate a song as named, instrument-tagged layers: conversational adds, the Layers view, per-layer solo/mute and colour, and multi-track .mid export.
DocumentationComposing in Layers
Layers
Composing in Layers
Aether builds a song as separable layers rather than one flat stream. Beyond the classic split into Bass, Harmony, and Lead, a clip can hold any number of named, instrument-tagged layers that you audition, edit, and export independently. A plain single-stream generation is simply treated as one "Full" layer.
Named, instrument-tagged layers
Ask for new parts conversationally and Aether adds them alongside what you already have, instead of overwriting the arrangement. Prompts like "add a horns section" or "put an ostinato under the piano" each create a new layer while your existing layers stay exactly as they were.
Every layer is tagged with an instrument, so it knows it is a Trumpet or Pizzicato Strings, not just a generic "Lead". That tag travels with the layer through playback, the Layers view, and export.
Instrument names come from the AI
The model chooses and names each instrument as part of its response. Aether normalizes that name to the closest General MIDI sound, so the tag stays consistent and exports to the right program. Aether never renames or re-voices an existing layer unless you ask it to.The Layers view
A toggle in the toolbar opens the Layers view, a panel that lists every layer in the clip. Each row shows:
- ●The layer's instrument name
- ●A mini piano-roll preview of that layer's notes
- ●Its colour, matched to the piano roll
- ●Per-layer Solo and Mute buttons
A header summarizes the arrangement at a glance with the layer count, the detected key, and the tempo. Use the Instruments / Roles toggle to flip the row labels between instrument names (Trumpet, Pizzicato Strings) and part roles (Bass, Harmony, Lead).
Solo, mute, and colour
Each layer is colour-coded in the piano roll so overlapping parts stay readable, and every layer gets its own distinct colour. Per-layer Solo / Mute controls live in two places: the Layers view, and as coloured chips on the toolbar (single-stream clips show no chips).
- ●Solo isolates one layer and dims the other toolbar chips, so the top bar always reflects what you are actually hearing.
- ●Mute drops a layer out while you listen or before you export.
- ●Toggling a layer during playback is seamless, even when layers share notes, so the parts you did not touch never cut out or re-trigger.
Per-layer MIDI channels
Layers are stored channel-neutral and given a channel only at the output boundary. Every row in the Layers panel carries its own channel selector, so any layer can be pointed anywhere, not just the three classic roles. Those roles keep familiar starting points:
| Role | Starting MIDI Channel |
|---|---|
| Bass | 1 |
| Harmony | 2 |
| Lead | 3 |
These are defaults rather than fixed assignments, and layers beyond the three get free channels around whatever you set, so nothing is ever silently doubled up. See MIDI Routing for the full picture, including Combined output and live MIDI routing.
Exporting to separate tracks
Drag a multi-layer clip into your DAW and Aether writes a multi-track .mid: a tempo track plus one named track per layer, each on its own channel, so your DAW can split them onto separate tracks. You can also drag a single layer out on its own using its coloured handle in the Layers view. A single-stream clip drags out as one track (see DAW Integration).
Exports carry notes and track names, and nothing that can change your session. General MIDI patch numbers are available as an opt-in for anyone exporting to a GM player. See MIDI Routing.