FL Studio 4 Producer Edition

PC Magazine, November, 2003

FL Studio 4 Producer Edition offers a suite of powerful software sound generators, editors, and effects, which you control via an easy-to-use step sequencer. It can run as a standalone application or as a VSTi or DXi plug-in. In FL Studio, you can use the sound generators via MIDI or via your computer's keyboard.

FL Studio boasts a spectacular bag of audio tricks. You get analog and sample-based drum machines, analog synths, sample players, and more. FL Studio also offers audio recording and a built-in audio file editor.

Like most step sequencers, FL Studio lets you program patterns by activating buttons on a grid. You can go deeper by calling up the Piano Roll display, where you can edit chords and work outside the boundaries of the grid. When you select a track, an editing window opens, showing more mixing and sound-editing parameters for its instrument. The internal mixer lets you add effects to output channels, but this is the one area where FL Studio is less than intuitive.

FL Studio lets you output your work as a WAV, MP3, or MIDI file, among other formats. With a friendly price, this program offers an exceptional combination of fun and value.

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