FL Studio

FL Studio

FL Studio is a powerful music editing app. The app was previously known as Fruity Loops, but has undergone a transformation from a MIDI sequencer to a full audio editing app.

The FL Studio interface is intuitive, but it can be a little difficult for a first-time user to grasp. The browser window on the left side is the file resource window. This covers pre-sets to projects and scores. If you click on an item it will open up a drop down menu of elements. You can fill this library with your own loops and samples, although it already has a large amount of plug-ins, such as DirectWave, EQUO or Fruity Squeeze.

Key features: Supports multiple midi-ins. Loads of plugins. Intuitive interface. Smart search. Multiple editing possibilities. Mixer is filled with pre-sets.

FL Studio has a smart search function that helps you quickly find any track, tool or effect. The app comes with stacks of presets that will do the hard work for you. You just have to play around with editing your tracks in the original pattern window. This windows contains all the instruments you have selected; just create the pattern you want for each instrument. With FL Studio you can also use the playlist window which is divided into patterns at the top and audio tracks at the bottom.

FL Studio is a very good sequencer for anyone looking to make music. The browser view and multiple editing windows, such as playlist, piano roll or pattern, allow you to work in different ways. The app can also handle multiple midi-ins and has foot pedal sustain support.

Overall, this is a great music studio app that has tons of features and stacks of tools. The downside is the interface isn't too user friendly and novice users may become overwhelmed.