Use Ctrl + B to duplicate selected samples in FL Studio
Problem: time-consuming duplication of samples
This shortcut allows for quick duplication of selected samples in the playlist. It's especially useful when working with loops that are aligned to the grid. However, if the sample is not aligned or is shorter than a bar,…
Hold Alt to move samples off the snap grid in FL Studio
Problem: samples snapping to grid when not desired
By default, FL Studio's snap settings align samples to the grid, which is useful for precise timing. However, when you need to move a sample freely without snapping to the grid, holding the Alt key allows for off-snap…
Hold Shift and drag to duplicate selected samples in FL Studio
Problem: slow duplication of samples
This technique allows for quick duplication of selected samples by holding Shift and dragging the selection. It's a fast and efficient way to copy and paste samples in the playlist without using the duplicate shortcut.…
Use middle mouse button and right-click to quickly switch tools in FL Studio
Problem: time-consuming tool selection
Instead of navigating to the top-left corner of the playlist to select tools, you can use the middle mouse button and right-click to open a quick tool selection window. This is a time-saving technique for producers who…
Use Ctrl + Shift to select multiple samples in FL Studio
Problem: time-consuming sample selection
This shortcut allows for quick selection of multiple samples by holding Ctrl + Shift and clicking on the desired samples. It's especially useful when copying multiple samples to another part of the track or when making…
Hold Shift and use arrow keys to move samples in FL Studio
Problem: imprecise sample movement
This technique allows for precise movement of samples in both horizontal and vertical directions by holding Shift and using the arrow keys. It's useful for adjusting the position of samples or moving multiple elements at…
Hold Alt + Mask to zoom and stretch the playlist view in FL Studio
Problem: time-consuming zooming
This shortcut allows for quick zooming and stretching of the playlist view by holding Alt + Mask and scrolling. It's a faster alternative to using the zoom controls on the top and right sides of the screen. This…
Hold Ctrl + Right Click to zoom in and out of the playlist in FL Studio
Problem: time-consuming zooming
This shortcut allows for quick zooming in and out of the playlist by holding Ctrl + Right Click. It's useful for adjusting the view to fit the entire project on the screen or for focusing on specific sections. This…
Use the FL Key MK2's encoders to control plugin parameters directly
Problem: slow or cumbersome plugin parameter adjustments
The FL Key MK2's encoders map directly to plugin parameters in FL Studio, allowing producers to make real-time adjustments to effects and instruments. This feature enhances the workflow by providing tactile control over…
Use the FL Key MK2's screen to see what chords you're playing
Problem: difficulty identifying played chords
The FL Key MK2's screen displays chord information in real-time, helping producers understand the harmonic structure of their music as they play. This feature is particularly useful for those who are learning music…
Use the FL Key MK2's automatic piano roll feature to quickly input played notes
Problem: time-consuming note input
The FL Key MK2 has a button that automatically inputs the last played notes into the piano roll in FL Studio. This is a time-saving feature that helps producers quickly capture and edit their ideas without needing to…
Use the FL Key MK2's built-in arpeggiator to create rhythmic patterns
Problem: time-consuming pattern creation
The FL Key MK2 includes a built-in arpeggiator that can be used to create rhythmic patterns from single notes. This is a powerful tool for producers who want to quickly generate complex sequences without needing to use…
Use the FL Key MK2's key split feature to play different instruments on different parts of the keyboard
Problem: difficulty playing multiple instruments simultaneously
The FL Key MK2 includes a key split feature that allows producers to assign different instruments to different sections of the keyboard. This is useful for playing multiple instruments simultaneously, such as a bass on…
Use the FL Key MK2's semi-weighted keys and faders for a more professional feel
Problem: lack of tactile feedback on smaller models
The larger models of the FL Key MK2 feature semi-weighted keys and faders, which provide a more professional and responsive feel compared to the synth action keys on the smaller models. This is ideal for producers who…
Use the FL Key MK2's improved screen for better visibility and control
Problem: difficulty reading information on the controller screen
The FL Key MK2 features an improved screen with better resolution and contrast, making it easier to read and interact with. This is especially useful for producers who need to see detailed information, such as chord…
Use the FL Key MK2's USB-C port for faster and more reliable connectivity
Problem: slow or unreliable controller connectivity
The FL Key MK2 uses a USB-C port for connectivity, which is faster and more reliable than older USB-A ports. This is especially beneficial for producers who use USB-C cables in their studio setup, as it reduces the need…
Use the FL Key MK2's pads to control the step sequencer directly
Problem: slow or cumbersome step sequencer editing
The FL Key MK2 allows direct control of FL Studio's step sequencer through its pads, making it easier to create and edit patterns without needing to navigate the DAW interface. This integration streamlines the workflow…
Use the FL Key MK2's faders to mix tracks by ear
Problem: slow or visually intensive mixing process
The FL Key MK2's faders map directly to the mixer in FL Studio, allowing producers to adjust track levels by ear without needing to look at the DAW. This feature is especially useful for quick adjustments and live…
Use the settings to customize fader behavior
Problem: fader position resets unexpectedly when banking
The Novation FL KEY MK2 has a setting that determines how the faders behave when you bank between pages. By default, the fader jumps to match the previous position, but this can be changed to 'pick up' mode, where the…
Keep the master fader at zero for better control
Problem: accidental changes to master fader
Some producers prefer to keep the master fader at zero to avoid accidental changes. While the software allows the fader to hover near zero, manually resetting it to zero can help maintain a consistent workflow and…
Use the Novation FL KEY MK2 to control plugin parameters
Problem: lack of tactile control over plugin parameters
The Novation FL KEY MK2 can be configured to control plugin parameters, channel volume, or custom settings. This allows for hands-on control of effects, filters, and other parameters, making it easier to tweak sounds in…
Use the chord map feature for quick chord selection
Problem: time-consuming to input chords manually
The Novation FL KEY MK2 has a chord map feature that automatically maps different chord voicings to the pads. This is especially useful for producers who want to quickly access and play chords without needing to manually…
Use user chord mode to input custom chords
Problem: limited chord options in default mode
The Novation FL KEY MK2 allows users to input custom chords into the pads using the 'user chord mode.' This is useful for producers who want to create unique chord progressions or use specific voicings that are not…
Use the on-screen display to identify chords while performing
Problem: difficulty identifying chords during performance
The Novation FL KEY MK2 displays the chord being played on the screen, which is helpful for producers who are not well-versed in music theory or are collaborating with other musicians. This feature allows for better…
Assign encoders to plugin parameters for real-time control
Problem: lack of tactile control over plugin parameters
The encoders on the Novation FL KEY MK2 can be assigned to control plugin parameters, such as filter resonance or cutoff. This allows for hands-on, tactile control of effects and sound design elements, making it easier…
Start with a 37-key MIDI keyboard if you're new to MIDI
Problem: limited key range on 25-key keyboards
For beginners, it's recommended to start with a 37-key MIDI keyboard instead of a 25-key model. While the 25-key is compact and portable, the 37-key offers more keys for greater flexibility, especially when playing…
Use Patcher to bypass FL Studio's 10 FX slot limit
Problem: limited fx slots in fl studio
FL Studio's default FX rack only allows 10 plugins per channel. By using Patcher, you can chain multiple plugins into a single slot by routing them through Patcher's internal mixer. This creates a 'virtual FX rack' that…
Automate Patcher's internal mixer for dynamic effects
Problem: static effects lack rhythmic interest
Patcher's internal mixer allows automation of individual plugin sends and returns. This enables dynamic effects like time-based modulation that respond to the track's rhythm. For example, automating a phaser's depth…
Mistake: Overloading Patcher with too many plugins
Problem: cpu overload from excessive plugins
Adding too many plugins to a single Patcher instance can cause CPU spikes and latency issues. The video demonstrates that 3-4 plugins per Patcher instance is optimal for stability. This is a common mistake among FL…
Use Patcher to create parallel processing chains
Problem: limited parallel processing options
Patcher can be used to create parallel processing by duplicating the signal path and applying different effects to each. For example, sending a vocal track to two Patcher instances with different reverb settings allows…
Add UI thumbnails for third-party plugins in Patcher
Problem: loss of plugin interface in patcher
When using third-party plugins in Patcher, right-click the plugin and select 'Add UI thumbnail' to preserve the plugin's original interface. This avoids the default Patcher interface and maintains visual feedback for…
Add swing to hi-hats using FL Studio's swing knob
Problem: rigid, lifeless hi-hat patterns
The swing knob in FL Studio's step sequencer adds groove to hi-hats by varying the timing of hits. This creates a more human, organic feel compared to rigid quantized patterns. The effect is subtle but adds energy to the…
Quantize hi-hats with shuffle mode for individual swing
Problem: predictable hi-hat timing
Using FL Studio's quantize function with shuffle mode allows each hi-hat hit to have unique timing variations. This creates a more complex and dynamic groove than a uniform swing setting. It's particularly useful for…
FL Studio: Match one-shot root note to project key for pitch accuracy
Problem: one-shots are out of key with project
Right-clicking a one-shot in FL Studio and selecting 'Match to Root Note' ensures the sample aligns with the project's key. This is critical for maintaining harmonic consistency in Future House arrangements with layered…
Use FL Studio's automation linking for multi-layer pitch control
Problem: inefficient multi-layer modulation
In FL Studio, map multiple Serum instances to a single automation clip by linking pitch bend controllers. This allows unified modulation of multiple layers, saving time and ensuring consistency in Future House lead…
Use D-verb on vocals with reverb baked in to remove it
Problem: vocal reverb is baked in and hard to remove
D-verb is a tool in FL Studio that can remove reverb that's already printed into audio files. This is especially useful when working with samples or remixes where the reverb is already part of the recording. The tool…
Use the 'voice' profile in D-verb for best results on vocal tracks
Problem: poor reverb removal on vocal tracks
D-verb offers different profiles for processing, and the 'voice' profile is specifically optimized for vocal tracks. The speaker notes that using the 'general' profile on a vocal track doesn't yield as good a result as…
Avoid over-processing with D-verb — 10-20% is usually best
Problem: over-processing vocal reverb
Applying too much D-verb can lead to unnatural, robotic-sounding vocals. The speaker demonstrates that even 100% processing can ruin the vocal's natural qualities. Instead, using a lower percentage (10-20%) provides a…
D-verb can be used on dialogue recorded in reverberant environments
Problem: dialogue recorded in a reverberant room
D-verb is not only useful for music vocals but also for dialogue recorded in reverberant rooms. The speaker demonstrates this with a sample recorded in a very echoey environment, showing that D-verb can effectively…
D-verb can be a faster alternative to more advanced tools like RX10
Problem: time-consuming reverb removal with advanced tools
While tools like RX10 offer more control and precision, D-verb can be quicker and easier to use for basic reverb removal tasks. The speaker demonstrates that even with a simple setup, D-verb can achieve results…
Use a gentle compressor after D-verb to smooth out the vocal
Problem: vocal sounds choppy after reverb removal
After using D-verb, the vocal may sound choppy or uneven. To fix this, the speaker recommends using a gentle compressor, such as Kotelnikov, to smooth out the vocal and restore its natural dynamics. This is an important…
Consider upgrading to FL Studio's All Plugins edition for advanced tools
Problem: limited access to advanced processing tools
FL Studio's All Plugins edition includes advanced tools like the transient processor and emphasis limiter, which are useful for more precise vocal editing and de-reverb. These tools are not available in the standard…
Use a ghost kick as a sidechain trigger instead of the actual kick
Problem: kick transient too long for clean sidechain
The ghost kick is a muted audio track with a short click sample synced to the kick's timing. This avoids the long, drawn-out sound of the original kick triggering sidechain compression. The ghost kick is muted so it…
Use the middle mouse button to import rhythm patterns into the piano roll
Problem: difficulty applying rhythm patterns to melody
In FL Studio, clicking the middle mouse button on a rhythm pattern automatically imports it into the piano roll. This is a quick and efficient way to apply a rhythmic pattern to your lead or melody. This feature is…
Use ghost notes to visualize rhythm patterns when creating lead melodies
Problem: melody doesn't sync with the track's rhythm
Ghost notes from other channels (like the subpad or kick) help visualize the rhythm pattern you're using for your lead. This is especially useful when creating arpeggiated or rhythmic melodies, as it allows you to see…
Use FL Studio's browser to find and load percussion loops for drum kit creation
Problem: time-consuming sample selection, lack of loop inspiration
The browser is the primary tool for sourcing loops. Selecting a loop that matches the track's vibe is critical for cohesion. This step avoids the need to manually search through samples, saving time. The browser's…
Right-click and open a new Slicix channel to slice percussion loops
Problem: inefficient loop slicing, manual timing issues
Slicix is the dedicated tool for slicing loops into individual hits. This method automatically divides the loop into 32 slices, making it easy to extract and rearrange individual percussion elements. The process is…
Use auto-detect tempo to sync loop tempo with project tempo
Problem: mismatched loop tempo causing timing issues
The auto-detect feature analyzes the loop's tempo and matches it to the project's tempo. This prevents timing clashes and ensures the sliced hits align with the track's rhythm. Manual tempo adjustment would require more…