Connect hardware to FL Studio and manage plugins

In this tutorial, you will learn how to connect hardware with FL Studio and efficiently use plugins. I will guide you step by step through the processes necessary to set up your hardware optimally and manage the desired plugins. Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience in music production, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and instructions for working with FL Studio.

Key Takeaways

• You can easily connect and configure various MIDI devices and controllers.
• Choosing the right mapping technology for your hardware is crucial for smooth operation.
• Managing and installing plugins in FL Studio is straightforward as long as you use the correct folders.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, create a new project in FL Studio. Here you already have the opportunity to connect various hardware devices. A basic requirement is that you have connected your MIDI keyboard or controller.

To activate your MIDI keyboard, go to the options. There you can adjust the MIDI settings. A common method is to press the F10 key to go directly to the MIDI settings.

In the MIDI settings, you will see that you can connect various USB or MIDI devices. I will now show you how, for example, to connect an MPD by Akai.

After connecting the MPD, you can see that the MIDI hardware port has been automatically updated. You should now see the Akai MPD 18 in both the input and output sections.

An essential step is to check if the master sync output is correctly configured to ensure that the connected devices work in sync. I recommend enabling or disabling the device here according to your needs.

If you want to play through different banks, the configuration of your device plays a significant role. However, some devices may not be recognized correctly. In this case, you can select well-known devices under the "Controller Type" menu to facilitate the mapping.

Another useful feature is the ability to adjust the velocity. With Akai, you can influence the intensity of your inputs through the pads themselves. If you press harder, the sound will be louder accordingly.

That was the first part. In a new project, you can add an FPC (Fruity Pad Controller) to help you control your pads and sounds easier.

When you open the FPC, you will see the different pads that you can fill. However, not all pads may work immediately, as we may be using a generic controller that does not match the note layouts of FL Studio.

To fix this, go to "Presets" and select "Empty". This will allow you to configure the FPC for your MPD.

Now, activate the option "Map notes for the entire bank" to correctly assign the pads. Click through the rows of pads from left to right to do this.

If you have successfully carried out the mapping process accurately, you can now control and use different pads.

Setting the pad arrangement as a template enables you to have a more efficient workflow. Save the preset under a suitable name.

Now you can easily drag the drum kits into the FPC to have them ready for immediate use. This way, you have optimally combined both devices.

The next step is to install some plugins in FL Studio. Go to the options and then to "Plugin Management".

There you can customize the installed plugins. Make sure you have specified the correct folder where the plugins are located beforehand.

Once you have selected the folder, FL Studio will find and list the plugins accordingly. You can then activate and manage the desired plugin.

You will also receive information about the file path of the plugin as well as the option to favorite it or assign it to a specific category. It is also essential to check if the plugin is active.

With these steps, you have now installed and configured both your hardware and plugins in FL Studio 21. These basics will help you work with FL Studio and unleash your creative potential.

Summary

In this tutorial, you have learned how to connect and configure your hardware to FL Studio 21, as well as how to install and manage plugins. This knowledge is crucial for making your music production efficient and creative.