How to use Fruity Loops

Now referred to as FL Studio, Fruity Loops was one of the first widely used digital audio workstations (DAW). Originally, it was created as a simple – by today’s standards – four-channel drum machine in 1997. One year later, upgrades and updates made it a fully functioning DAW.

Made by Image-Line, it’s still one of the most used DAWs on the planet, along with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. While it may not capture as much of the “superstar” market share, its lower price tag for intermediate users and free lifetime upgrades make it more accessible than the big boys.

Which doesn’t mean FL Studio is a stripped-down, bare-bones DAW. The FL Studio “Fruity Edition” comes with a robust number of features: more than 100 mixer tracks, piano roll, browser and playlist, as well as a host of included plug-ins, instruments, and effects. It also offers automation clips, the ability to become a VST, and is available for both MAC and PC.

All of that for less than $100! However, before you spend a dime, make sure your computer has the amount of storage and speed to keep up with the Fruity Edition. Even if you got the latest, greatest laptop for Christmas, don’t jump into the bank account yet.

Crawl, Walk, Run

There are a lot of moving parts when making EDM, hip hop, or other styles of audio recordings. Fortunately, almost every DAW has a similar appearance, including the FL Studio interface. A browser for top-level folders and actions, a channel rack, and a playlist that can be operated by clicking and dragging.

If you don’t know what any of that means, you’ll definitely want to look into something much cheaper. There are plenty of free, scaled-down DAWs to download for MAC or PC to learn on for the time being. Any software you have to buy will be too overwhelming for starters.

Search the internet for DAW software interface images and you’ll see what we mean on two counts. First, there’s a lot of similarities. Second, there’s a lot of stuff going on! Take the time to learn what actions each control or window performs.

We recommend picking up a popular free DAW (Ableton Lite, Pro Tools First, or even run through a few 30-day free trials of other DAWs) and see if your computer can handle it. Then pick a feature, open a browser window, and start studying. Learn how to work with selected channels, how step sequences work, and other building blocks of music production.

Unfortunately, many of these free DAWs won’t allow for much (if any) storage for the clips and beats you create. Yes, it’s a bummer. However, now is the time to find out if this is something you want to pursue. If it seems you spend less and less time working with the DAW, then at least you saved some money.

If you find yourself absorbing the information like a sponge, running through video after video and reading nearly every online tutorial you can find – now is the time to start investing in your future. Move on to that starter version of FL Studio and your learning curve will skyrocket. In time, you’ll begin to add additional racks, create your own samples, and understand the advantages of different file settings.

It involves a lot of self-motivation, but that’s the way it is when you’re moving towards a career goal. That’s why they call it work. If that just makes you want it all the more, Recording Connection may be able to get you up and running that much faster.

Jump on the Fast Track

Recording Connection has created a learning plan to accelerate the process of learning FL Studio, Ableton Live, and many other DAWs. With our programs, you’ll be placed in a real-world studio, taking direction from a mentor who’s already in the business.

Instead of having multiple browser windows open, becoming frustrated with message boards, and contemplating joining your friends in the cubicle world, you’ll be able to ask questions and get answers from an industry professional. Online sources are great for reference, but nothing compared to interacting with an expert in the field on their home turf.

Our programs cover everything from specific DAWs, learning how to make beats, audio engineering, and even the business side of making music. Our audio and music production programs range from six to nine months and we have locations throughout 48 states and Canada. On average, they cost less than traditional 4-year universities or trade schools and our most successful students have jobs waiting for them at the end of the program.

You’ll get the education you want, in less time, and the right way. If you’re willing to work (there’s that word again), have the responsibility to stay on-track, and put in the effort both in and out of the studio, apply to Recording Connection today.