Using Plugins

Welcome to the heart of FL Studio’s creative potential – the world of plugins! In this chapter, we will dive deep into the vast array of plugins available within FL Studio. These powerful tools will take your music production skills to the next level and unlock endless possibilities for crafting unique sounds and professional-grade mixes.

Whether you are an intermediate user looking to expand your horizons or an advanced producer seeking new techniques, this chapter will be your guide to exploring the full potential of FL Studio’s plugins. We will cover everything from using built-in plugins and third-party instruments to creating custom sounds, enhancing your mix with effects, exploring plugins in different music genres, and even mastering the art of the sidechain effect.

So, let’s buckle up and get ready to create some sonic masterpieces!

We will cover the following recipes in this chapter:

• Producing with FL Studio’...

Technical requirements

• FL Studio software (version 20 or above)

Producing with FL Studio’s built-in plugins

In this recipe, we will embark on an exciting journey through the diverse world of FL Studio’s built-in plugins. These plugins are the backbone of your music production arsenal, offering a vast array of creative tools to shape and enhance your sounds. By mastering these plugins, you will be equipped to craft professional-grade tracks across various genres. So, let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of FL Studio’s built-in plugins!

Getting ready

• FL Studio software (the latest version is recommended)
• A MIDI controller (optional, but useful for hands-on control)
• Your creativity and passion for music production

How to do it

1. The Sytrus synthesizer – creating mesmerizing sounds: The Sytrus synthesizer is a powerhouse for sound design, capable of producing a wide range of tones from lush pads to biting leads. Let’s explore how to use it effectively:
   1. Launch Sytrus:
      1. Open...

Using third-party plugins and VST instruments

In this recipe, we will explore the exciting world of third-party plugins and VST instruments, which will elevate your music production to new heights. These external tools expand the sonic possibilities of FL Studio and provide access to high-quality sound libraries, effects, and innovative features. By incorporating third-party plugins into your workflow, you’ll be able to unleash your creativity and craft professional-grade tracks across all genres. Let’s dive in and learn how to seamlessly integrate these powerful plugins into FL Studio!

Getting ready

• Third-party plugins and VST instruments of your choice
• Your creativity and eagerness to explore new sonic horizons

How to do it

1. Installing and managing third-party plugins:
   1. Plugin formats and installation:
      1. Before diving in, understand the different plugin formats (VST, VSTi, AU, etc.) supported by FL Studio.
      2. Install the third-party plugins following...

Creating custom sounds using plugins

In this recipe, we will embark on a thrilling journey of sound design using FL Studio’s powerful plugins. By creating custom sounds, you will establish a unique sonic identity in your music production. With a deep dive into parameters, modulation options, and creative techniques, you’ll be equipped to craft original presets that reflect your artistic vision. Let’s dive in and unleash the full creative potential of FL Studio’s plugins to design sounds that set your music apart!

Getting ready

• A MIDI controller (optional, but useful for hands-on control)
• Your imagination and passion for sound exploration

How to do it

1. Harmor resynthesis and Flex – futuristic soundscapes:
   1. Understanding Harmor’s resynthesis engine:
      1. Launch FL Studio and add Harmor to a channel in the Channel rack.
      2. Explore the resynthesis engine, which analyzes audio and allows you to manipulate it in new ways.

...

Tips for using effects plugins to enhance your mix

In this recipe, we will delve into the art of mixing and explore how to use effects plugins in FL Studio to elevate your productions to a professional level. Effective use of EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and other effects can bring clarity, depth, and cohesion to your mix. With practical tips and techniques, you will harness the full potential of plugins in FL Studio, optimize their usage, and integrate them seamlessly into your workflow. Let’s dive in and unlock the power of effects plugins to enhance your mix!

Getting ready

• A well-organized project with recorded or programmed tracks

How to do it

1. EQ – sculpting your sound
   1. EQ in the mix:
      1. Load an EQ plugin (such as Fruity parametric EQ 2) onto the mixer channel of the instrument or audio track you want to sculpt.
      2. Use high-pass and low-pass filters to remove unwanted frequencies and clean up the mix.
   2. Cutting unnecessary frequencies:
      1. Identify muddiness...

Plugin usage in different genres of music

In this recipe, we will delve into the exciting world of genre-specific plugin usage in FL Studio. Different music genres demand unique sounds and production techniques. By exploring practical examples of plugin usage in various genres, including hip-hop, electronic, and pop, you will gain the knowledge and inspiration to create authentic and genre-specific productions. Let’s embark on this sonic journey and learn how to harness the power of plugins in FL Studio to craft music that resonates with your chosen genre! Remember that this is not an exhaustive list; you can use whatever you want as long as the result sounds good and is what you were looking for.

Getting ready

• A well-organized project with recorded or programmed tracks in your chosen genre

How to do it

1. Hip-hop – warmth, sample processing, and punch:
   1. Sample processing:
      1. Use plugins such as Fruity Slicer, Fruity Granulizer, and Fruity Squeeze to...

Creating a nice sidechain effect

In this recipe, we will delve into the popular sidechain effect, a hallmark of modern electronic music production. The sidechain effect creates a signature pumping sound by rhythmically lowering the volume of one sound source in response to another, typically the kick drum. By exploring techniques for routing and triggering volume automation, you will learn how to achieve a smooth and impactful sidechain effect in your tracks using FL Studio. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to making a nice sidechain effect!

Getting ready

• A well-structured project with drums and other sound elements

How to do it

1. Setting up sidechain compression:
   1. Selecting the sidechain source: Identify the sound element that will trigger the sidechain effect, usually the kick drum. Make sure that the kick drum and the sound element to be side chained, such as a bassline or synth, are on separate mixer tracks. One of the best third-party plugins for...