A comprehensive music editing studio
Image Line’s FL Studio is a highly-developed digital audio workshop station. Although it’s primarily geared towards electronic music production, it’s great for any type of audio project.
Make and edit tracks
FL Studio is a powerful one-stop-shop for sound recording and music production.
FL Studio software comes in four editions, the prices of which correspond to the available function. With the better editions, you get to edit audio clips, access the full version of the DirectWave sampler, and more. With its progressing feature sets, FL Studio is worth the money, and you'll get lifetime free updates from the developer.
The vector-based interface is easy to read, scalable across displays, and supports multitouch. The Browser, Channel Rack, and the Pattern list contain all the functions from the program.
The main arranging window is the Playlist, where you can bring up the step sequencer and piano roll for closer editing.
Recording requires several clicks, and as you work, you can switch between pattern and song modes to fine tune your tracks.
FL Studio comes with included instruments, but they tend to be too simplistic. However, with some of the built-in effects, it’s possible to make them sound better.
Where can you run this program?
FL Studio runs on macOS 10.11 and Windows 8, or later versions. There are mobile options for iOS and Android, too.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes, if you’re a professional, LMMS is the best choice out there. Ableton Live offers similar features to FL Studio. Ardour and AudioTool are great free alternatives.
Our take
Although the program comes with some clear limitations, it can do wonders and create complex, well-produced pieces of music from a single interface.
Should you download it?
Yes, if you have some experience with such programs already. The UI features a learning curve that’s not ideal for beginners.
