User Interface Part 1

 This section will specify interface controls of FL Studio and some simple features.

FL Studio User Interface

 THE MIXER

The Mixer is one of FL Studio's most important features and all audio in FL Studio passes through Mixer. It is virtual mixing console where audio signals (instruments, samples, etc.) are routed to. It offers variety of tools used for mixing, balancing and combining different sound and signals that could be used in any type of project.

One of the best features of the Mixer is that you can add effects to the sounds coming from the Channel Rack instruments. Effects can range from a simple volume changes to more advanced effects such as compression, chorus, reverb, phaser, delay, flange, and EQ.

Mixer features:

• Plugin Effects - Loading external VST and FX effects into mixer tracks.
• Mixer Track Properties - Per-track inbuilt filters and effects.
• Audio Input/Output Routing - Routing audio and side-chain signals around the mixer.
• Audio Recording - Record audio through the mixer.
• Levels, Mixing and Clipping - How to set the output levels to avoid distortion.

Opening plugins

• Select Plugins. To load an effect plugin, choose a free slot and open the effect slot menu on that slot and select a plugin from the Favorites list. At the top of the menu there are also options to Open the plugin picker

To open Mixer click this button located in the top toolbar.

Linking sample or instrument to Mixer

Mixer Interface and controls

THE TOOLBAR

FL Studio's Toolbar is located at the top of the screen and provides quick access to many commands and options. 

• FILE, EDIT, ADD, PATTERNS, VIEW, OPTIONS, TOOLS, HELP
• for more info about each click the link

                                    Some Toolbar controls that are useful to know:

1. Pat/ Song Mode

• switch between song and pattern mode

• pattern mode- only specific pattern played

• song mode- whole playlist played

2. Play/ Pause/ Stop/ Record buttons

More about buttons

3. Set tempo/ BPM

What is tempo/ BPM?

"Beats per minute" or BPM, in this case it present speed of at which your project should be played. For instance, a tempo notated as 60 BPM would mean that a beat sound exactly once per second.

It is a major element in music that can determine "mood" of your project and can provide most powerful and dynamic aspects of the music.

Selecting tempo/ BPM

• More about tempo and time signatures