FL Studio comes bundled with everything necessary to record voice/instruments, create music from scratch, manipulate audio, and become a world famous musician (okay, well maybe not the last one). So sit back, relax, and enjoy the review.

Price
For a professional workstation, FL Studio is one of the most economical solutions out there. Directly from Image Line, the prices are:

FL Studio XXL – $399
FL Studio Producer Edition – $299
FL Studio Fruity Edition – $139
Though the prices seem very competitive, you can find it yet even cheaper if you look at various vendors.


Sequencing
There are a many features that have enticed me to use this workstation. The most attractive, however, has to be the unique sequencing style. The “pattern-based” sequencer allows for total control. The ease of painting, moving, or erasing pattern blocks and clips is a huge plus. Audio clips, patterns, and automation are all arranged within the “Playlist,” keeping the workspace

The Step Sequencer with a simple drum pattern applied.

simple. There are no limitations that inhibit your workflow in regard to arrangement. The freedom within this workstation is something you may not find in other competitors.












Piano Roll

I could have easily slipped the Piano Roll into the sequencing section, but this feature is so amazing it deserves it’s own sub-review. The Piano Roll is the tool that transfers creative ideas

Each block indicates a separate note.

from your head to the computer. It does this in the quickest, most efficient way possible. The left axis contains a vertical keyboard (for those of you who play the piano, this will take a little time to mentally calibrate), and the right axis represents time. From here, notes may be placed next to the desired keys in an intuitive manner. The beauty though, lies within the MIDI support. Each note recorded through a MIDI controller instantly appears in the piano roll and is readily accessible for editing. Though a MIDI controller is not necessary for taking advantage of the Piano Roll, it sure does make producing a heck of a lot easier!


Mixing/Mastering

The Mixer window with applied effects on the selected channel.

FLS8 contains a 64-track mixer. The mixer allows for effects to be added to each track. The effects include everything you need (Compressors, EQ’s, Reverb, Filters, etc)… The technical process of mastering, however, can be a bit tedious. When a sound is added into a new channel in your project, instead of assigning it to a new channel in the mixer, it assigns it to the master channel. This may seem like a minor flaw, but after assigning channels over and over again, it can get a bit annoying.


Interface
The main components of the interview include the:

Step Sequencer
- Used to assemble drumbeats and simple melodic parts.

Piano roll
- Useful tool in composition, as previously described.
Playlist
- Allows for the arrangement of Patterns, Audio clips, and Automation

A small section of the Playlist of a song I am currently working on.

Mixer
- Used for mastering, adding effects, and recording audio input.

Sample Browser
- Allows the user to quickly browse and access audio, samples, plug-ins, presets, and other FLS files.

The interface to some may seem obscure and difficult to follow. I will admit, it took me a little bit of time to get used to. However, after you understand all the functions of the various windows, FL Studio will be the easiest and fastest way to transfer ideas from your mind to the computer. Though the interface at first may seem threatening, there is a large reward for patience and the willingness to learn.


Audio Recording and Editing
Originally, recording audio was done by creating Clips in the Playlist view. A relatively new plug-in, Edison, allows for a smarter way to record and edit audio. Edison can be applied to a channel in the mixer as an effect, and in return, audio may be recorded through that specific channel. After recording the audio, you are able to edit the Clip with some nice effects. Edison offers convolution reverb, spectral analysis, noise reduction and some other features. These effects will also work on any Audio Clip, whether it was recorded or not.


Bundled Generators and Samples
FL Studio comes with some slick generators. A couple of new generators have been added to the newest version. Slicex, a tool for sample/loop manipulation, and SynthMaker, a new… synth maker, have been added to the family. The preset samples that come with FL Studio 8 are not exceptional, though they get the job done. However, after some time with these samples, you will find yourself looking for some new, higher end samples to use in your compositions.


Concluding Thoughts
FL Studio 8 is built for Windows, but will work flawlessly on an Intel Mac running Boot Camp (and is even encouraged by Image-Line to do so). The price is unbeatable, and Image-Line treats its customers with free upgrades for life.

To sum things up in a few words, FL Studio 8 represents Freedom, Control, and Innovation within the standards of digital audio workstations. If you have not tried this program yet, then you are missing out.

If anyone is looking to buy Fl Studio, below is the lowest priced vendor I have found. If you find a place with a better price please let me know.

Sonic Producer

Price: $29.95

Overview: This software is perfect for anyone who does not have the budget for high-priced production software. If you are interested in recreational hip hop beat making, then there is no reason to use any other software. The first thing I noticed when I tried the program is that it is incredibly easy to use. If you have no experience in beat making or production, you will still be able to learn this software VERY fast. The interface contains a 16 track sequencer, volume control on for each track, a piano and pads to record with and a few other options. There are thousands of preset sounds in the program that are all crystal clear quality. The production quality of the beats that you are able to create is amazing, considering the simplicity of the program. The program itself is not solely restricted to hip hop beat making as you can produce music in other styles as well.

Bottom Line: If you want a very reasonably priced program that will produce top quality beats and make instrumentals, then this is THE software to get.

FL Studio 8

Price: $100 – $399

Overview: I have had a lot of experience with FL Studio and would recommend this software to anyone who is looking to do more than hip hop beat making. Though the step sequencer allows for flawless beats to be produced, the program is able to do much more. I personally love this program because it is easy to use, the VSTi, DXi and MIDI support is exceptional (you will need these features if you plan on producing instrumental-heavy arrangements) and it contains my favorite feature – the Piano Roll. The customizable interface is made up five main windows – Sample Browser, Channel Window/Step Sequencer, Piano Roll, Playlist, and the Mixer. It may take a few days to get used to the basics, but once you do it becomes easy to make music. The software is comes packed with some very good plug-ins and an array of sounds.

Bottom Line: If you only want to make beats on your computer, then I would recommend Sonic Producer over FL Studio. If you want a powerful and professional tool that can deliver a vast amount of variations, then this is the best investment that you can make.

Well there you go. If you want to make your own beats then I strongly suggest that you check out some of these programs. I have recently given a full online review on both Sonic Producer and Fl Studio, if you would like more info on these programs and how to make beats online.