As a music producer, you’re likely no stranger to the world of digital audio workstations (DAWs). Among the many popular DAWs available, FL Studio 20 stands out for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. One of the most useful features in FL Studio 20 is the ability to record internal audio. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of internal audio recording in FL Studio 20, exploring the benefits, requirements, and step-by-step process of capturing high-quality internal audio.
What is Internal Audio Recording?
Internal audio recording refers to the process of capturing audio signals generated within FL Studio 20 itself. This can include virtual instrument sounds, effects processing, and even the audio output of other plugins. By recording internal audio, you can create complex, layered sounds and textures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with external recording methods.
Benefits of Internal Audio Recording
So, why would you want to record internal audio in FL Studio 20? Here are just a few benefits:
- Increased creative control: By recording internal audio, you can capture and manipulate sounds in ways that would be impossible with external recording methods.
- Improved sound quality: Internal audio recording allows you to capture audio signals at the highest possible quality, without the need for external cables or interfaces.
- Enhanced flexibility: With internal audio recording, you can easily experiment with different sounds and textures, and make changes to your recordings without affecting the original audio.
Requirements for Internal Audio Recording
Before you can start recording internal audio in FL Studio 20, you’ll need to make sure you have the following:
- FL Studio 20: This might seem obvious, but you’ll need to have FL Studio 20 installed on your computer in order to record internal audio.
- A computer with a decent processor: Internal audio recording can be processor-intensive, so you’ll need a computer with a decent processor to handle the demands of recording and processing audio.
- A digital audio interface (optional): While not strictly necessary, a digital audio interface can help improve the sound quality of your recordings and provide more flexibility when it comes to routing audio signals.
Setting Up Your Audio Interface
If you’re using a digital audio interface, you’ll need to set it up in FL Studio 20 before you can start recording internal audio. Here’s how:
- Connect your audio interface to your computer via USB or another connection method.
- Open FL Studio 20 and go to the “Audio Settings” menu.
- Select your audio interface from the list of available devices.
- Configure your audio interface settings as desired (e.g., set the buffer size, sample rate, etc.).
Step-by-Step Guide to Recording Internal Audio in FL Studio 20
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of recording internal audio in FL Studio 20.
Step 1: Create a New Project
To start recording internal audio, you’ll need to create a new project in FL Studio 20. Here’s how:
- Open FL Studio 20 and go to the “File” menu.
- Select “New Project” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose a project template or start from scratch.
- Set the project tempo, time signature, and other settings as desired.
Step 2: Set Up Your Virtual Instruments
Next, you’ll need to set up your virtual instruments and configure them to send audio signals to the mixer. Here’s how:
- Create a new virtual instrument track by going to the “Track” menu and selecting “New Track.”
- Choose a virtual instrument plugin from the list of available plugins.
- Configure the virtual instrument settings as desired (e.g., set the sound, adjust the levels, etc.).
- Send the virtual instrument audio signal to the mixer by clicking on the “Send” button and selecting the mixer track.
Step 3: Arm the Mixer Track for Recording
Now that your virtual instrument is set up and sending audio signals to the mixer, you’ll need to arm the mixer track for recording. Here’s how:
- Go to the mixer and select the track that you want to record.
- Click on the “Arm” button to arm the track for recording.
- Make sure that the track is set to record from the correct input (e.g., the virtual instrument).
Step 4: Start Recording
With your virtual instrument set up and the mixer track armed for recording, you’re ready to start recording internal audio. Here’s how:
- Click on the “Record” button to start recording.
- Play your virtual instrument or trigger the audio signal in some other way.
- The audio signal will be recorded to the mixer track, where you can edit and manipulate it as desired.
Advanced Techniques for Recording Internal Audio
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of recording internal audio in FL Studio 20, let’s explore some advanced techniques for taking your recordings to the next level.
Using Effects Processing to Enhance Your Recordings
One of the most powerful features of FL Studio 20 is its effects processing capabilities. By using effects plugins, you can enhance and transform your internal audio recordings in a wide range of ways. Here are a few examples:
- Reverb: Add depth and space to your recordings with reverb effects.
- Delay: Create complex, rhythmic effects with delay plugins.
- Distortion: Add grit and texture to your recordings with distortion effects.
Using Sidechaining to Control Your Recordings
Sidechaining is a powerful technique for controlling the levels of your internal audio recordings. By using a sidechain compressor, you can duck the levels of one track in response to the levels of another track. Here’s how:
- Create a new compressor plugin on the track that you want to control.
- Set the compressor to respond to the levels of another track (e.g., the kick drum).
- Adjust the compressor settings as desired (e.g., set the threshold, ratio, etc.).
Conclusion
Recording internal audio in FL Studio 20 is a powerful technique for capturing high-quality audio signals and creating complex, layered sounds. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock the secrets of internal audio recording and take your music productions to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, internal audio recording is an essential skill to have in your toolkit. So why not give it a try and see what kind of amazing sounds you can create?
What is internal audio recording in FL Studio 20?
Internal audio recording in FL Studio 20 is a feature that allows users to record the audio output of the software itself, rather than relying on external audio sources. This feature is useful for capturing the audio output of virtual instruments, effects processors, and other internal audio sources within the software.
By using internal audio recording, users can create high-quality audio recordings of their music productions without the need for external audio equipment. This feature is also useful for creating stems, which are sub-mixes of a track that can be used for further mixing and mastering.
How do I enable internal audio recording in FL Studio 20?
To enable internal audio recording in FL Studio 20, users need to access the software’s audio settings. This can be done by clicking on the “Audio” tab in the top menu bar and selecting “Settings” from the drop-down menu. In the audio settings window, users need to select the “Internal” option as the audio input source.
Once internal audio recording is enabled, users can select the specific audio source they want to record, such as a virtual instrument or effects processor. They can then arm the track for recording and start capturing the audio output of the selected source.
What are the benefits of using internal audio recording in FL Studio 20?
One of the main benefits of using internal audio recording in FL Studio 20 is that it allows users to capture high-quality audio recordings of their music productions without the need for external audio equipment. This feature is also useful for creating stems, which can be used for further mixing and mastering.
Another benefit of internal audio recording is that it allows users to work more efficiently and creatively. By being able to record the audio output of virtual instruments and effects processors, users can experiment with different sounds and ideas without having to worry about setting up external audio equipment.
Can I use internal audio recording to record multiple tracks at once?
Yes, internal audio recording in FL Studio 20 allows users to record multiple tracks at once. This feature is useful for creating complex music productions that involve multiple virtual instruments and effects processors.
To record multiple tracks at once, users need to arm multiple tracks for recording and select the specific audio sources they want to record. They can then start the recording process and capture the audio output of all the selected sources simultaneously.
How do I export my internal audio recordings in FL Studio 20?
To export internal audio recordings in FL Studio 20, users need to access the software’s file export options. This can be done by clicking on the “File” tab in the top menu bar and selecting “Export” from the drop-down menu.
In the file export window, users can select the format and quality of the exported audio file. They can also choose to export the entire project or just a specific section of the recording.
Can I use internal audio recording to record live performances in FL Studio 20?
No, internal audio recording in FL Studio 20 is not designed for recording live performances. This feature is primarily used for capturing the audio output of virtual instruments and effects processors within the software.
If users want to record live performances, they need to use an external audio interface and connect their instruments or microphones to the interface. They can then record the live performance using FL Studio 20’s external audio recording feature.
Are there any limitations to using internal audio recording in FL Studio 20?
Yes, there are some limitations to using internal audio recording in FL Studio 20. One of the main limitations is that this feature can be CPU-intensive, especially when recording multiple tracks at once.
Another limitation is that internal audio recording may not be suitable for recording very long audio files, as this can cause the software to run out of memory. Users need to be mindful of these limitations and adjust their recording settings accordingly to get the best results.