Top of the list is new Generators, including FL Slayer, FL Keys, Boo Bass and Wave Traveller. While the basic operation of FL Studio will be familiar to existing Fruity Loops users, there are, of course, a number of new features. As pattern-based sequencing goes, Fruity Loops has always struck an excellent balance between functionality and ease of use and FL Studio is no different in that regard. Patterns can be named for ease of identification and different lengths of pattern can be mixed and matched. Once a number of patterns have been created, they can be arranged within the Playlist Window to create a song structure. Real-time MIDI input is also available and works very well, with the usual proviso that a soundcard with low-latency drivers is required. For melodic instruments, a very usable piano-roll editor is provided. This is great for building up drum patterns. The Channel Window offers basic pattern-based step sequencing, with the current pattern being selected via the virtual LCD positioned top-centre of the menu/toolbar area. When a new Generator is added to a project, it appears in the Channel Window list, although when a lot of Generators are being used the list can be customised to show just bass or drum Channels, for example. These can be purchased separately, although there is also a 'bundle', FL Studio XXL, that contains a number of these extra Generators at a discounted package price. Demo versions of some more complex instruments such as Wasp, Fruity DX10 and Sim Synth are also provided. The TS404 mono bass synth, 3xOSC sampler with three oscillators, Plucked plucked-string instrument and Sampler (which can, with some patience, be used with the Layer Generator to build up more complex sample-based programmes) are all pretty much as before. As with previous versions of Fruity Loops, the FL Studio user interface is both dark and compact - a decent monitor and 20:20 vision are distinct advantages!Īll the familiar Generators are present and correct, along with some interesting newcomers, of which more shortly. All these can be arranged as required by the user. The main window follows the same layout and appearance, with menus, transport and pattern selection tools along the top, the Browser down the left and the bulk of the display used to hold, for example, the various Generator, Pattern, Playlist, Piano Roll or Mixer windows. Installation and registration of the software is identical to version 3, and despite the name change, existing Fruity Loops users will find FL Studio a familiar working environment. Accordingly, a fairly modest PC can be used, although low-latency audio response would be a distinct advantage if a MIDI keyboard or controller is used for real-time input.Īrranging Patterns within the Playlist Window. As FL Studio is designed with pattern and step entry for MIDI parts very much in mind, the real-time audio latency is not perhaps as significant as when using a full-blown MIDI + Audio sequencer. During the review, version 4.1.2 of the Producer Edition became available via the web site, and I subsequently used this for the majority of the testing. Familiar FruitįL Studio is available in Express, Fruity Loops and Producer editions, respectively offering more features at a greater price. As the previous review is available on-line ( I'll only give a brief recap of these features before looking in more detail at what has been added. The basic functionality of FL Studio remains the same as before: Generators (software instruments) are used within a pattern-based sequencing environment to create complete arrangements. In order to maintain consistency, FL Studio has started at version 4. SOS reviewed version 3 back in the August 2002 issue, but Image Line are now back with a new release, plenty of new features and a new name for the software: Fruity Loops Studio, or FL Studio. The latest version comes with a new name - FL Studio - as well as some interesting new virtual instruments and proper audio recording features.Īlong with general-purpose MIDI + Audio sequencers such as Cubase and Sonar, more specialised applications such as Reason and Acid Pro have also become very popular, and in dance music circles a firm favourite with many is Fruity Loops. Fruity Loops has built itself quite a cult following in dance music circles.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |