Fruity Loops Studio
7 Instructions
Fruity Loops 7 is a program that allows musicians to stretch the limits of their musical imagination. As a virtual sequencer and workstation, it can help a put together musical compositions, loops and various pieces of sounds called "samples." Fruity Loops 7 started as a workstation exclusively for DJs, but has grown into a software product that musicians use frequently to strategize, design and develop recording projects.
Pattern Sequencer
In any recording session, the first instruments that should be recorded are the bass guitar, drums and rhythm guitar. These instruments are set up in the Fruity Loops 7 pattern sequencer control area. The pattern sequencer is instrumental in developing the "groove" or beats of a song. Put one instrument per pattern sequencer in Fruity Loops 7. This allows for better control over the instrument during the mixdown phase of the recording.
Mixer Assignments
In Fruity Loops 7, assign instruments to a mixer channel through the pattern sequencer. This is the concept of "routing" a sound to a virtual mixing panel that has infinity of mixer channels with one master channel. If a composition is to be mixed and mastered in Fruity Loops 7, ensure each channel peaks at -3db with room or headroom to add equalization and effects up to 0db.
Playlist Grid
Fruity Loops 7 provides access to various sounds, loops and virtual instruments that can be added in playlist grid mode. Playlist grid mode is created by taking various instrument patterns created with the pattern sequencer and inserting them into a playlist grid. Use the playlist grid to put the song together.
Consideration for Midi
Add any direct recording of sounds to a composition using MIDI technology. While a composition is being played through the playlist grid, you can add external instruments such as a guitar, keyboard or vocal through MIDI channels by direct plug-in into the computers' sound card. A rule of thumb is to finish all basic patterns before using MIDI to enhance a composition.
Rendering Files (32, 25 and 16 Bit)
Fruity Loops 7 composition files can be integrated for use into other digital workstations and virtual music workstations through "rendering." Rendering is the process of creating group or individual "WAV" files from the playlist grid or pattern sequencer modules. Files can be rendered as 32-bit files, 24-bit files or 16-bit files. A recording created in Fruity Loops 7 as a 32 or 24 bit recording can also be resampled into a 16-bit WAV file.
Mastering Process
Mastering is the process of equalizing a collection of songs so they have the same volume. In Fruity Loops 7, several plug-ins are available for mastering a song. Plug-ins can be loaded into the master channel or can be used with a combination of Fruity effect plug-ins to bring the desired level of sound to a recording. Leave "headroom" ranging from -3db to -6bd for room to add mastering effects on the main mixer channel.
