Image-line FLStudio 6 Producer Edition:

It's been sometime since we last reviewed FLStudio (back then called fruityloops), in fact it was version 3.56 that I recall reviewing last. Since then the software has evolved in great respects. First of all leaving the Fruityloops name behind and calling itself the FLStudio gives more insight to the way the software has evolved from a loops program into a full blown software studio. Second there are 3 versions of the software now : The fruityloops edition (doesn't have all audio capabilities such as wave editing and audiotracks), the producer version reviewed here and the XXL version that includes a pack of 7 more instruments.

First steps
The first time you open the program seems to always be that magical moment. There is so much to do so much to see. My first thirty or so minutes with a new piece of software usually go to going through the sample songs. Image-line have always got full points for the amount and quality of their demo songs since they not only feed your dreams but also do have some sort of learning bit to them. Also I do have to give Image-Line a heads up on the visual look of the newest demo song.

Back to the roots of the program
FLStudio started as a simple program for making patterns out of samples, which were added to by the later addition of simple synths. This simple yet intuitive way of working has flowed over to the newest version, the only difference being that working with a few patterns to make a song has changed into working with tens of advanced patterns that can contain anything from sample playback to different DXi and VSTi instruments. Also since FLStudio 4 you have been able to drop in audio alongside the patterns in a way comparable to a traditional sequencer.

The mighty piano roll
At the early incarnations of FLStudio relied on the step sequencer to make all the sounds. This was a working solution for playback of samples, but with the advent of synths this was upgraded to a step sequencer that could have different steps assigned to different notes, then this was upgraded to the piano roll, a sequence editor made famous by the "conventional" sequencers . The piano roll since then has been upgraded with every release and the latest version is the best we have seen in a software studio, offering extreme flexibility through a simple interface.  

Its all in the sounds
A software studio is usually nothing without it sounds. FLStudio not only has the ability to use the huge amount of VST and DX instruments available, but it also has some instruments built in. The instruments that ship with the producer edition only cover the basic needs of a producer while the XXL version brings the optional set of 7 generators including the new DirectWave sampler. The demos of the demos of the generators are included in the Producer version and judging by them, you will be better off getting the XXL version unless you don't need the added instruments.

The basic sounds inculde everything from Boobass (a bass generator) to WaveTraveller (a sample player that can be used to travel through your samples and to "scratch" them) that make the basis of the FLStudio sounds. Also the newest addition is FPC drum machine that is a software version of the likes of the Akai MPC. The FPC is a great add to FLStudio as it adds a whole new way of programming your drum tracks. 

Also FLStudio is famous for containing "more creative" generators. If the text to speech of the speech isn't your thing then try making music from pictures or joystick force feedback files. Also the "creative" sampling has been provided with the granular sampler that can make the effects that the likes of Fat Boy Slim use and the Wave Traveler that can be used to slow down and scratch the 2GB+ of downloadable samples that can be accessed with the purchase of the program.

Get that effect
The amount of effects has been growing with every release of FLStudio, the version 6 doesn't differ. The mixer is able to put one of the many great effects on any track, highlight of the effects include the Vocoder and the new effects EQUO (Morphing Graphic Equalizer) and Multiband Compressor. The effects can further be expanded with the thousands of DX and VST effects available on the market.

The same plus some
The version 6 of FLStudio in many ways is similar to the Fruityloops 3.56 that we reviewed back in the day. The new version does have many new improvements (such as better mixer, better quantize features, more effects, etc.), but the core is fortunately still the same that we gave the editor's choice. The new extras do seem worth it (especially if you have/get the lifetime free upgrades), but the new focus seems to be on the more expensive XXL version that includes 7 more generators.

Conclusion
It seems every version of FLStudio comes with more effects and more features. I do feel that FLStudio 6 Producer edition is a very solid piece of software, but compared to other software studios the XXL version would be the version that would compare to the offerings of other similar software. The producer version seems to be the choice for those with tight budget or to those who already own a lot of plug-ins. The version 6.08 is the newest and up to date at the time of review and brings forward a stable and fun way to make music on your PC. The ease of use of the new version is excellent for those that have used the program before and to those that haven't there are over 30 video tutorials in the members section once you decide to purchase.   

Here are some of the instruments that are included with the producer edition, can you spot the commercial?

Plusses and minuses

+Great Support for different technologies (VST,DX, Rewire)
+The new effects
+FPC
+Inexpensive

-XXL version seems to be the way to go
-Had some problems downloading samples using the integrated downloader

9.25 - A new version of the legendary Software Studio that started as a loop making program. The new version doesn't offer so much to the producer edition, but the XXL edition has been given its very own sampler, the DirectWave. Yet, the producer edition remains a good way to go fro the beginners, those on a tight budget and those that already have a hefty collection of VST and DX instruments.

Awards:

-Beginner's Award (Award graphic unavailable).