All these can be arranged as required by the user. The main window follows the same layout and appearance, with menus, transport and pattern selection tools along the top, the Browser down the left and the bulk of the display used to hold, for example, the various Generator, Pattern, Playlist, Piano Roll or Mixer windows. Installation and registration of the software is identical to version 3, and despite the name change, existing Fruity Loops users will find FL Studio a familiar working environment. Accordingly, a fairly modest PC can be used, although low-latency audio response would be a distinct advantage if a MIDI keyboard or controller is used for real-time input.Īrranging Patterns within the Playlist Window. As FL Studio is designed with pattern and step entry for MIDI parts very much in mind, the real-time audio latency is not perhaps as significant as when using a full-blown MIDI + Audio sequencer. During the review, version 4.1.2 of the Producer Edition became available via the web site, and I subsequently used this for the majority of the testing. Familiar FruitįL Studio is available in Express, Fruity Loops and Producer editions, respectively offering more features at a greater price. As the previous review is available on-line ( I'll only give a brief recap of these features before looking in more detail at what has been added. The basic functionality of FL Studio remains the same as before: Generators (software instruments) are used within a pattern-based sequencing environment to create complete arrangements.

In order to maintain consistency, FL Studio has started at version 4.

SOS reviewed version 3 back in the August 2002 issue, but Image Line are now back with a new release, plenty of new features and a new name for the software: Fruity Loops Studio, or FL Studio. The latest version comes with a new name - FL Studio - as well as some interesting new virtual instruments and proper audio recording features.Īlong with general-purpose MIDI + Audio sequencers such as Cubase and Sonar, more specialised applications such as Reason and Acid Pro have also become very popular, and in dance music circles a firm favourite with many is Fruity Loops. Fruity Loops has built itself quite a cult following in dance music circles.

Fruity loops