#1August 22nd, 2007 · 08:19 PM
65 threads / 2 songs
1,062 posts
United States of America
HMMM....well, all is not lost.  It all starts with getting out of FL's stock sounds.  Devo is right about high quality samples BUT.....  using the right VSTs helps.  Look into tube emulators and warmers.  There are several virtual instruments that have a warm sound....  Atmosphere, Absynth, Fm8, Massive and several others have a good sound, as well as several free instruments (check out kvraudio.com).  Also adding the right effects will help.  Using chorus will add depth to your sound but dont over do it.  Reverb adds space.  These are all tricks to make your stuff sound a little more realistic.  Kings is spot on about the parametric eq.  Also look into the Stereo Enhancer and compressors.  I say "compressors", because Fl compressor is not the only thing out there.  There are several free compressors out there that emulate vintage equipment.  I think you'll find that compression will make a major difference in your sound.

Proper EQ'ing is also key.  My stuff sounded rather synthetic when I first got started, and it will never sound completely analog, but you can go along way towards warming it up with proper mastering and eq.  Make sure you are making room for all the sounds in your project by panning to the left and right and raising and lowering volumes. (loud is not always good)  Every sound needs its space.  It took me awhile to figure that out.  My best advice is to start reading about eq and mastering.  It doesnt sound like much fun, but its very enlightening.  It made a major difference in my sound.  

 I hear alot of people talking trash about FL for this reason and in my opinion its cause they dont know enough about the prog to make it sound good. (Devo, your stuff is warm, im not talking about you and Kings I havent heard anything you've done in FL so I wouldnt know).  You cant stop at the surface level and hope that the prog will make your stuff sound good.  Try to stick to a few favorite VSTs and learn them the best you can.  That way you can bring the most out of them.

I would tell you more, but then Id be digging into my bag of tricks and well, Im just too selfish.  This is a good start, though.  Its not impossible.  I swear by Fl Studio.  I dont use much else.  keywords for today are PLUGINS, MASTERING, and EQ.  Stay away from stock sounds and weak samples!
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