How to Layer and Split Sounds on the JUNO-Gi

Create Huge Sounds with the Live Set Function

Creating Layers and Splits Using JUNO-Gi Live Sets

When we look at the sound structure of the JUNO-Gi, it is very easy to overlook it’s sonic flexibility and power. At first glance, the JUNO-Gi’s patch mode appears to be the same as older Roland keyboards, but if we look a little closer, we find that the JUNO-Gi has Live Set mode, which is capable of four simultaneous tones. Live Sets are also found in our flagship synths, the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-50.

JUNO-Gi Promotion: Summertime Savings

What are Live Sets?

In the Live Set mode, tones can be layered and split. Up to four tones can be layered (i.e. stacked), which will produce a very thick and full sound. A split is when two tones are stacked together and a split point is inserted in the middle of the keyboard. This is a general practice and usually done with a bass in the lower section of the keyboard and a piano in the upper section. I like to think of this ability to split/layer tones as having multiple keyboards available in one unit.

Playing Without Live Sets…

In the old days of synth keyboards, it was not uncommon to have one keyboard for your strings, one for your piano and so on. Figuring out how to MIDI them up (sync them together) so that all of the sounds would be triggered through the main keyboard was not always fun. In fact, it was usually very costly and confusing because ALL of them needed to be connected with the MIDI cables AND routed correctly. Have you have had this conversation with yourself: “Now was that MIDI IN to IN and MIDI OUT to OUT, or MIDI OUT to THRU to IN?”

JUNO-Gi Live Sets In Practice…

Now let’s take a closer look at the video Live Set Creation 01 – EdKeyGrand 01. In this video, we wanted to show how we could take a piano tone and turn it into something rich by just adding a couple of tones to support it.

We started with the “88KeyGrand patch” which sounds great. Next, by pressing and holding the SHIFT button, we are able to add three more tones to our piano. Personally, I like to add a string tone to my piano, which gives it a touch of silk. You’ll find this kind of layer very useful, especially when playing ballads. Another option for this layer is to use a choir-type sound. You can use this in place of the string, but why not layer the piano, choir and string all together? In doing so, you’ll be rewarded with a huge and beautiful sound. This ain’t your regular keyboard patch anymore!

Now, let’s recreate what we just described. Here is what you will learn from the following video:

1. How to select tones to create your own custom layer and/or split.
2. How to adjust individual tone volume so you can determine the correct sound balance.
3. How to adjust the individual octaves of each tone to add depth to your Live Sets.
4. How to write and save your custom Live Sets to your own user bank. This is where you will save and access all of your custom Live Sets.

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