More new features in FL Studio 20
GET A GOOD LOOK
FL Studio now previews audio signals as they’re recorded. This feature is commonplace in many other DAWs, and though it’s a late arrival, we’re pleased as punch-ins to see it introduced at long last. It’s comforting to see your waveforms when tracking. You’ll now know instantly if something’s amiss, such as improper gain levels or a bad connection.
GROUP THINK
Takes are grouped when recording in looped mode. This one almost got its own walkthrough – it’s that cool. Another feature familiar to old studio pros, this function automatically contains multiple passes in a looped recording into a grouped collection of adjacent tracks, facilitating the creation of comped tracks from multiple takes.
EDISON CAN NOW DO 24-BIT WAV EXPORTS
Once again, Image-Line are stepping up FL’s capabilities to meet the standards expected by pro users. This is apparent throughout the program, but sound designers and sample jockeys will be especially pleased with the Edison audio editor’s newfound 24-bit WAV export option. In the past, Edison supported only 16-bit and 32-bit export. Thanks to user demand, Image-Line have stepped up!
SLICEX HAS NEAT NEW FEATURES
While we’re talking samples, note that one of our favourite FL plugins has a couple of new goodies worth some attention. First off, rightclicking the Send control displays the names of all slice mixer track destinations. Also new: in the Regions menu, you can now choose a new ‘Select all cut groups to’ option, which will allow you to lash all slices to the same user-defined cut group.
COMPENSATION DISPENSATION
When it comes to latency issues, convolution effects can be particularly problematic, as they’re required to perform a massive amount of calculation to give you the most realistic effects possible. Thankfully, Fruity Convolver offers a dedicated PDC control, activated via a button above the impulse display. Now, correcting impulse response delay is a truly effortless process.
MODULATE AS A VERB
Fruity Reeverb 2 has always been a great tool for adding realistic ambience to your tracks, and now FL’s classic reverb is even better, thanks to a brand new modulation section. Ostensibly meant for smoothing out the unnatural metallic ringing often imparted by algorithmic reverbs, you can push both Mod Depth and Mod Speed values to more extreme and unusual places.
STROLL THROUGH THE SCROLL
The new Mini-Preview scroll bar gives you an instant overview of and access to your playlist’s various components. This is handy when you’re zoomed in tight on the actual playlist. As an added bonus, you’ll find a similar preview in the piano roll, as well.
THE RIGHT TOOLBAR FOR THE JOB
Here comes one we’ve long waited for! Now FL Studio’s Toolbar is totally customisable. You can edit your toolbar to your specific needs, and save it for later recall. The Toolbar editor mode is most impressive, allowing you to drag and drop whatever elements you want to include wherever you like. You can even pin the Toolbar at the bottom of the FL Studio window.
AUDIO UNITS!
FL’s newfound Mac compatibility brings with it the ability to access Apple’s Audio Unit plugin format. Yes, you can now use your favourite AU instruments and effects in FL Studio. Be warned, though – any Audio Units without a Windows counterpart (and viceversa) will obviously hinder a project’s crossplatform compatibility.
A RANGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
Ever worked up a killer, complex arrangement only to discover that you needed to create an alternative version for, say, a remix or collaboration? Maybe you need to provide a client with multiple variations? Such a demand might once have required renaming, editing and saving an entirely new version of the project. Not any more: now, FL Studio can create and collect multiple arrangements in the same project. The selected version is the one that will be bounced on export.
OLD IS NEW AGAIN: GRAPH EDITOR IS BACK!
FL Studio users have made their wishes known, and Image-Line have dutifully capitulated with the return of graphic editing in the pattern step sequencer. A right-click on the sample in the Step Editor brings up the familiar interface. It’s a quick way to tweak velocity, panning, levels and notes. Plus, graph editors can be resized, and you can scroll through them with your mouse wheel.
THE LIST GOES ON. AND ON…
Users of all description will find plenty to love in this update. And did we mention that it’s still free for FL Studio license holders?