How to Layer Instruments with Track Stacks in Logic Pro
Learn how to combine multiple software instruments into a single playable layer using Summing Stacks for a professional, massive sound in Logic Pro.
This guide explains how to combine multiple software instruments into a single, unified playable unit. By creating a Summing Stack, you can trigger several plugins at once using a single MIDI track.
Follow these steps
Select multiple tracks
Select all the instrument tracks you want to layer by holding Shift and clicking their track headers in the Tracks area.
Create the stack
Right-click on any selected track header and choose 'Create Track Stack' from the shortcut menu.
Choose Summing Stack
Select the 'Summing Stack' option in the dialog box and click Create to group the tracks under a master bus.
Organize the layers
Click the disclosure triangle on the new Main Track to show or hide the individual sub-tracks within the layer.
Play the combined sound
Select the Main Track (the stack header) and play your MIDI controller to trigger every instrument inside the stack at once.
Common mistakes
- Using a Folder Stack instead of a Summing Stack, which won't allow shared effects.
- Forgetting to record-arm the Main Track to hear all layers simultaneously.