Image Line Fruity Loops Studio 5

Well actually the one main thing that is missing is timestreching, but image line has been considering adding this for a while, so maybe they will soon. but don't get me wrong, you can still use the "granulizer" to timestrech, its just not made for that.

Price paid

149

Its as easy as you want it to be. my first time using it, and first time sampling / sequencing, i was able to make something that was OK, and 6 years later i'm still learning new stuff. The interface is solid, and looks good, i wish i had another video monitor though.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Sounds good, has good compressors for pre-mastering, and a wide selection of mixdown options. some of the samples that come with FL Studio IMO are not useable for serious songs, but most of the ones i'm talking about are intended for dance music and i make hip-hop.

hmm, i've had very few problems with it being buggy, the only occasions it messes up on me is when i'm using a lot of vst / dxi software instruments that did not come with the program.

OVERALL OPINION

If it was legal to marry software FL Studio would be my first choice for a Bride. there are just so many awesome things one can do with it, and is just so much fun to use. Plus, its so cheap! you also get access to the FL forums where all the fruityheads are at so you can ask them questions and share ideas. FL Studio is highly recommended

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Ethereal (January 0-, 2004)

Like I said in the previous post... it's really what you are expecting the tool to provide you. Can the eisel hold the brushes for the artist... or does the potter's spinning thingie have the ability to bake the clay as well? Well, FLStudio is not what many "sequencer seekers" are searching for. You have to understand that FLStudio is a sequencer, and what a powerful sequencer it is. It's fast, it's amazingly inspiring... not a day goes by that I don't listen to that "Thu-THUDD-FUZZZ" on the splash screen, and to be honest with you... I'd be lost without it. It's most powerful features: the ability to use VSTs, and a very capable sampler. It's the ability to network, and summon the most powerful tools that make it such a beast.

Price paid

$150.00 USD

Compared to other sequencer's that I've tried, bought, or had demos of... FLStudio is amazingly simple. The documentation is so that a child can understand it. FLStudio expects you to understand the tools of the trade "vertically", so to speak, to grab at some good sounds... It's mixer is such a blur to start up, and my mouse scurries like a mad-man shuffling effects and tweaks. Can't really ask for more, to be honest.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

There's something to be said about tools of the trade... Every artist needs an eisel, every potter needs that spinning-thingie, and every software based musican needs a good sequencer. FLStudio is the most deceptively robust tool out there. It's a love-hate relationship for the beginner, because beginner's expect all the good sounds of tomorrow (or yesterday) to be handed to them on a platter. FLStudio is a console, not an ideal syntesizer... However, as one learns more and more about synthesis, you'll start finding wonderful things to do with the built-in synthesizers. The 3xOSC and the TS-404 are limited... but that does not mean they are crap, and you must respect them for what a good synth-technician can produce with them.

When I had version 4.01... it would crash sometimes when you would be working on a large .flp file, and then ask it to open up something else. That has changed in version 5.01, and I really haven't had a bad case with it thus far.

OVERALL OPINION

I'll never stop mixing on FLStudio... it's powerful, imports VSTs... I just threw in an EMU 0404 Proteus X package for my soundcard needs, and I added a hardware synth... My setup kick's butt, and it all revolves around the fruit... POWER TO THE FRUIT!

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Northern_Fist (January 0-, 2005)

It's one of the best tools for getting your ideas laid down onto a track, quick and easy. The pattern/step sequencer is an awesome visual beat creation tool. I doubt I'll ever go back to hardware drum machines again. The effects and filters etc are great. It's like you have 99% of a full working studio right there at your desk top. And the amount of VSTi and DXi plug ins you can get to enhance your work are endless

Price paid

150.00 CAD

Hell! I'm using it, so it must be easy. Once you start getting used to the GUI its a breeze. It's a windows app right? if you get lost... right click or file menu your way out of a problem. Once bit of advice is to SAVE every time you like something. SAVE, save, save...

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Good Sound Quality. It comes with a decent selection of kits and plug-in synths. They're good enough to get started, but you'll want to buy or create some of your own kits eventually.

Works great. Can't complain. To me it's much easier than hardware sequencers. If it "breaks" just reinstall it.

OVERALL OPINION

It's all about matching yourself to the best tool for you. I've used cubase and cakewalk in the past with hardware midi and my love for FL Studio comes from those experiences. FL Studio is the perfect choice for those who want to get the most bang for their buck. It's not the end all solution but it's the best starting point. The only thing that you might find it lacking in is the multitrack live REC function (like recording vocals...) I think it's possible but you'll need a ASIO interface. I'm going to buy different software for the final mixdown if I never get it to work in FL. But as for building intrumentals... it's outstanding.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: cocopuffz ( 6-, 2004)