This section covers the FL Studio desktop and basic workflow. FL Studio allows you to load instruments and samples, play these live or manually enter the note data, record external sounds (from a microphone for example) and play the whole mix back through the mixer (adding effects). The completed project can be saved to a .flp or .zip and/or exported (rendered) to .wav, .mp3 or .ogg audio. Show This section covers: Getting Started VideosGeneral workflow and production including audio recording... The entry level Fruity Edition is very capable ... Stepesequencer and percussion techniques ... For a more in depth tutorial see the -FL Studio 20 Beginners Tutorial After the above, we also recommend you watch theFL Studio | What's New YouTube play list. It's a great way to cover all the latest features.- Main WindowsThe FL Studio desktop is based on a number of windows, most of these are movable (with overlap), resizable, zoomable and switchable so if a window isn't visible open it using the Shortcut toolbar (or the function keys as noted in brackets). The main windows involved in FL Studio music creation are - Channel Rack (F6), Piano roll (F7). Mixer (F9) and Playlist (F5). The Browser (Alt+F8) is used to access audio files, plugins & presets (see the File setting options for adding folders elsewhere on your computer to the Browser). NOTE: If you ever need to reset the position of all windows to their default use (Ctrl+Shift+H) or see the View menu options. WorkflowOnce you have mastered the FL Studio interface, the next step is to learn the procedure for creating music - the FL Studio 'workflow'. The typical steps making a track are outlined below: 1. InstrumentsIt's important to know FL Studio does not impose a simple Instrument > Playlist Track > Mixer Track relationship. While the Channel Rack holds instruments (plugins) that create sound and internal generators that control automation, every pattern has access to all instruments in the rack. This means all patterns have access to all instruments in the Channel Rack. In other words, patterns also are not limited to a single instrument as they are in most other sequencers. This opens several workflow opportunities as shown below. Music data can come in the form of Step sequences and Piano roll scores. The height of the Channel Rack will change dynamically as you add and remove plugins. The Step Sequencer, (Video Here) is a pattern-based grid sequencer ideal for creating drum loops when Channels are loaded with the native Sampler, that holds a single percussion sample per Channel.
2. Composing, Sequencing & Automation
3. Arranging & editingThe Playlist sequences all the elements of the project that play to make the final song. The Playlist window is a stack of multi-purpose 'Clip Tracks' that can host Patterns Clips, Audio Clips and Automation Clips. Unlike most other sequencers, the Playlist tracks are not bound to any one instrument, audio recording or even Clip type. You can put any Clip type anywhere and even overlay Clips. Think of Clips as a little like notes in the Piano roll. When the play-head reaches a Clip, FL Studio plays whatever the Clip instructs it to do.
4. MixingThe Channel Rack shows a Channel button for each instrument. The audio from each Channel is sent to one of the Mixer Tracks for effects processing and level mixing. Set the destination Mixer track from the selector to the left side of the Channel Button. The same selector is also available from the Instrument Channel Settings under the Channel Settings icon. Playlist Clip Tracks are not bound to Mixer tracks, rather Channel Rack to Mixer routing decides the Mixer track/s that are used. So Instrument Channels are bound to Mixer tracks, not Playlist tracks. For example, a single Pattern Clip on a single Playlist track, could trigger every Channel Rack instrument, and so all Mixer tracks if they were routed accordingly. If you want to simulate 'traditional' sequencer workflow: Route each Instrument to a separate Mixer track. Use one Instrument Channel per Pattern Clip and use one song-length Pattern Clip per Playlist track.
5. Exporting audio
6. Using the Manual and WebsiteThey say, if you give a hungry man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Let's learn how to fish then... Some useful links mentioned in this video, not elsewhere on this page, include... 7. YouTube 3rd Party Video TutorsAs a FL Studio user, there is an exciting and wide range of video producers creating excellent content to help you create music in almost any style. Below are some of our favorite PowerTubers! How do you create a drop in music?Here are my ten tips for more powerful drops.. Dynamic Sub. For any track to be successful on the dance floor you need to have a sub bass that cleanly cuts through the mix. ... . Pick a Main Sound. ... . Dynamic Layering. ... . Stay in Rhythm. ... . Add Contrast. ... . Leave Room.. How do I add a beat drop?A “beat drop,” is really just a specific kind of arrangement.. Use an accelerating kick and snare pattern.. Add a descending bass pattern on a bass synth just before a new bar.. Make a drop by omitting certain tracks before a more intense bar.. Increase or decrease the volume with automation on the master track.. |