GENERATORS

Instrument / Generator Plugins

Channels and instruments: Each channel in FL Studio contains one instrument (generator). Instruments generally are synthesizers or sample players used to create the melody and percussion in a song. FL Studio supports the VSTi, DXi, Buzz and FL Studio’s own native plugin format. Native generators are the most flexible with ‘per note’ slides and right-click interface linking.

Adding an instrument

There are several ways to add a new instrument:

Add a new instrument channel - Use the Channels Menu > Add One > dialog.
Replace an existing instrument channel - Right-click on a Channel Button and select 'Replace >' from the pop-up context menu.
Drag an instrument preset from the Browser - Drag the preset from the Browser to the Channel Window.

Note: FL Studio includes only the DEMO VERSIONS of the following generators: Direct Wave, DrumSynth Live, Fruity DX10, Morphine, Poizone, SimSynth, SoundFont Player, Sytrus, Toxic Biohazard and Wasp. The demo versions function exactly like the full versions, but channels containing them are not saved in the project file. You can purchase the full versions of these generators at www.image-line.com.

How to see more than one Instrument at a time

Summary: Close the Channel settings window associated with the first instrument before opening the second instrument.

By default FL Studio closes the currently open instrument interface when a new instrument is opened. To open multiple instrument interfaces click on the Channel button of the desired instrument to open the interface panel. Close the Channel settings window that opens along with all plugin interfaces and then open the second instrument. Keep doing this for each new instrument you wish to remain simultaneously visible. To disable the auto-close interface behavior, deselect the F10 General settings option Auto select linked modules.

Installing new instruments

The manual section on 'Installing VST and DX Plugins' covers the step-by-step procedure for adding new plugins to FL Studio. A wide range of plugin standards are supported by FL Studio.

3rd party effects: FL Studio installs with a generous suite of high-quality instruments so there is no need to purchase anything else in order to produce professional quality tracks. However the internet is bursting with 3rd party instrument plugins, a great place to start is www.kvraudio.com.