Flying High with FL Studio 6

Dec 1, 2005 6:37 PM, Advertorial by Duncan Crockett

             

In a field crowded with "do-everything" digital audio workstations, Image-Line's FL Studio 6 truly stands out. A key component in European dance-music studios, FL Studio is making major inroads in the American market as well. And while its step sequencer and sophisticated automation are optimized for lightning-quick production of beats and grooves, its audio tracks and extensive effects rack give it an edge for almost any genre or style, from ambient to hip-hop.

FL Studio is available in several versions for different budgets, but most musicians will want to go for the XXL package. This powerhouse installation includes both Sytrus, a top-of-the-line, six-oscillator FM and subtractive synth; and DirectWave, Image-Line's brand new sampler.

The bad news? FL Studio is strictly for Windows. Macintosh owners can only stand with their noses pressed against the window and tears running down their cheeks.

In this special report, we'll introduce FL Studio to those who have never experienced it and will also take a look at a few of the new features in the 6.0 release. As usual, Image-Line has packed the update with so many goodies that it would take many pages to explore them all, so we'll only hit a few high spots.