FL Studio updated. Shout if you’re smug about it
FL Studio’s history is not straightforward — it took a leap to v20 from v12 to celebrate two decades of the DAW in 2018, for example — but what is clear, is that if you invested in v1 (then called Fruity Loops) back in 1998, you’ll be feeling pretty smug by now.
That’s because the DAW has a free lifetime update policy, so once you invest, you never pay again. A risky strategy maybe — we’ve even seen comments on forums from users worried that they’re not parting with enough cash — but Image Line, the DAW’s developers, have been going strong with the policy for coming up to 24 years so it must be paying off. But is there anything left to upgrade? As it turns out, quite a bit…
Version 20.9 (we’re fast approaching v21, or will it be v24?) has a heap of upgrades like additional effects, multiple Playlist Track selection, redesigned recording and “fearless editing” with undo and everything.
With the effects you get a new Pitch Shifter effect for real-time pitch shifting and manipulation. The audio editing additions continue with the new Audio Clips Instrument which has a Stretch Pro mode with real time formant control and there’s also a new Vintage Chorus, which delivers a “Juno-6 style” chorus.
Other additions include SoundFont Player making a welcome return and there are updates to NewTone Editor, Patcher Tool and FLEX. Add in several audio recording and automation tweaks plus workflow improvements and you have a significant point update which is, of course, free for existing users. Do get in touch if you bought Fruity Loops v1 and are still enjoying those freebies. Actually, don’t.
image-line.com