How to Use Plug-ins with FL Studio
In this guide we will show you how to work with effects plugins and virtual instruments in FL Studio. We’ll show you how to load them and add it to a track. We’ll also provide you some tips and tricks along the way. Follow the sections below to get started.
Scanning plugins in FL Studio
Each time you launch FL Studio, it will scan any plugins from its default VST or AU (Mac only) path. If you installed a plugin or virtual instrument to a custom path, however, you first need to add that path within the FL Studio Plugin Manager for it to be scanned. Follow these steps to scan plugins and virtual instruments in FL Studio.
TIP: By default, FL Studio only scans plugins that have a .dll file extension and will perform a Fast Scan. Turn on Verify plugins so it can scan and sort .vst3 and .au file extensions, as well. The scan will take longer, however.
- Click Options and select Manage plugins.
- Click the Folder + icon in the Plugin search paths section, select the location(s) where your plugin/virtual instrument is installed, and then click OK.
- To disable a plugin path, click the checkmark located to the left of it. The default FL Studio plugin paths cannot be disabled.
- Click Find Plugins to begin scanning. Once complete, your plugin will now be available to use.
Adding plugins on a track in FL Studio
FL Studio sorts your plugins into two categories; Effects (i.e. reverb, compressor, filter) and Generators (virtual instruments). Once you’ve scanned your plugins, they can then be accessed from the Plugin database section of the Browser which you can then drag and drop into the channel rack. When dropping effects plugins onto the channel rack, be sure to drop it on the instrument.
You can also add FL Studio plugins to the plugin database. Check out our article on how to use FL studio for more information!
- You can also add effects plugins from the Mixer. Just select the track you want to work with, and click one of the slots located on the right side.
- To add a Generator as a track, you can also click the + button located on the bottom of the channel rack. Alternatively, you can click Add on the top toolbar, and select the virtual instrument.
Routing multi-out virtual instruments
When using virtual instruments such as EZDrummer or Kontakt which utilize multiple outputs, you need to assign them to individual Mixer channels and update the routing within the virtual instrument.
TIP: The output channel you select in your virtual instrument is offset by one on the Mixer. For example, if you set an output from your VI to Channel 2, it will be assigned to Insert 3 in FL Studio.
- Open the virtual instrument’s window, and click the cog icon located at the top left.
- Click the plugin and cog icon, and then select Processing.
- Click Auto map outputs in the Connections section. You can also manually assign each output to different channels, if necessary.
- Open your virtual instrument’s channel mixer and update the output to match that of the outputs created in FL Studio.
FL Studio | Multi Input & Output Instruments
Using FL Studio as a plugin
You may have noticed that FL Studio VSTi listed as a Generator (virtual instrument). This is especially helpful if you want to use FL Studio’s instruments inside another DAW. Some instruments included with FL are in the .fl file format, which means it can only be used inside of FL studio. All you need to do is load the FL Studio VSTi plugin onto an Instrument track within your DAW, and record a MIDI track like you would with any other virtual instrument.
FL Studio | Using the FL Studio VSTi plug-in
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