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All Reviews by arp_laszlo


By arp_laszlo
On 23rd January 2004
Version: 4.5.1

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  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
Image Line FL Studio

*Edit 02May04 - Some serious limitations I've since discovered:
1. use with midi controllers is laughable. synths do not respond to CC messages except for pitchbend; everything else has to be linked individually. no way to link parameters to physical knobs and recall as a preset. can be saved with a channel in a song only - not very convenient.

2. can't edit multiple patterns at once - you can only see one pattern at a time.
3. cannot view note patterns at the same time as automation data.

4. Rewire implementation is clunky as hell, requiring a window with a special button to switch between master & slave. also, transport controls are not linked.

FL Studio has become a good all-in-one solution. The user interface is well-arranged and the workflow is sensible. The basic structure is the Pattern which can be created using a step-sequencer or a flexible piano roll. Groups of patterns create songs.

FLS combines some of the best qualities of Cubase and Reason in one program. You get the ability to use VST instruments and effects (without having to ReWire) and a very good sound engine, like Cubase. You get flexibility with regards to routing audio and creative parameter control, like Reason and SX 2.01. And the synth & fx provided are, overall, better than those provided by Reason.

User Interface: a tad dark, but well planned. Keyboard shortcuts allow windows to be opened & closed (or minimized & maximized) quickly. the addition of saveable screensets would bump this up to a 10.

Sound: Excellent. My main complaint against Reason is that you really need to master properly to get it to sound professional. You can mix & master easily in FLS. Some of its internal fx - particularly the Parametric EQ, the Compressor and the Spectroman (a spectral display tool) - are truly worthwhile. The ability to use VSTi trumps Reason, by far.

Features: Too many to list. You can sequence waves in addition to midi, you have lots of internal fx to play with. There's a Beat Slicer for chopping up loops and getting grooves. And you have instruments to tide you over if you have no VSTi.

Documentation: Excellent.

Presets: Internal presets for instruments & fx are solid, but you can also save mixer presets like SX 2.01.

Customer Support: Pretty good. Online forums are chock full of newbies and some of the admins are unprofessional jerks, but you can usually get proper answers to your queries. Still, nothing you can't get from the folks at KvR or other sites.

Value for Money: Very high, if you don't need to use midi controllers or Rewire much.

Stability: Nary a crash in 3 months.
 
Last edited : 10th August 2007     
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