How To Sample In FL Studio – A Complete Guide [Part I/Setup]

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Greetings bass head and welcome aboard!

In this guide, I’ll be going over a few different ways to sample inside of FL Studio and part 1 will also cover How to set up a MIDI Keyboard as well as How To Install VSTs and sound packs.

There is more than one way to skin a dog, but nowadays it’s easier than ever.

We’ll take into account pairing your device, audio settings, the FPC, the Fruity Slicer, Edison, Slicex, and much more.

This protocol has worked for me for many years, but I needed a refresher course after a long hiatus away from making beats.

Now that I’m back in black like AC/DC, I wanted to share with you the process from A-Z.

For this demo, I’ll be using my first love: the KORG padKONTROL as well as the Novation FL Key Mini that I just picked up.

*Hint hint* you should get the FL Key as it was made for FL Studio and is a breeze to use.

We’ll pair it with FL Studio 21 but don’t fret. If you haven’t purchased it yet, the FL Key comes with a 6-month trial that you can use to get your feet wet.

I bought the Producer Edition for $199 and I believe it’s worth every penny – especially considering you’ll receive free lifetime updates.

After you read through this guide, you should be ready to lay down some sick chops and make a dope beat!

//UNDER CONSTRUCTION//

I am currently editing this post from years ago and converting it into a step-by-step guide with updated FL Studio 21 screenshots. If you happen to stumble across this page, don’t fret. The producer series is getting a complete makeover!

Let’s start from the beginning. This guide assumes you are brand new!

Step 1

Pair your device with FL Studio

Connect your drum pad to your PC or laptop via the USB cable. Both the padKONTROL and FL Key utilize Type-B.

Turn the unit on and fire up FL Studio.

For the FL Key, do keep in mind you’ll need to register your device through Novation first.

Simply follow the steps sent to your email and you should be good to go.

Once that’s complete, go to OPTIONS > MIDI SETTINGS. Alternatively, you can press F10 as well.

• Related: What is MIDI? [Beginner’s Guide]

If your pad isn’t visible, click “Refresh Device List” at the bottom. You should see the pad appear.

Now click the “Enable” button and you’re ready.

You can also look for yours in the drop-down menu where it says “Controller type”, but generally speaking it should just appear under Input.

This is especially true for the FL Key. I didn’t have to go looking for it at all. It simply appeared and was ready to go.

Step 2

Configure your audio settings

Go to OPTIONS > AUDIO SETTINGS, and under the drop-down menu find whatever you’re using and click on it.

I have 15 Amps & DACS on my desk (which is utterly ridiculous), but I’m currently listening to some Smokey Robinson with the AKG K240M and a Topping A50s/D50s combo.

Whatever you’re using should show up as seen in the image above.

Click on it and now your audio should come through your headphones or monitors.

If you’re using an audio interface with some studio monitors, you’ll select the interface.

• Related: What are Studio Monitors?

Step 3

Import some soundpacks, VSTs, etc.

For my drum sounds, I’ve been using the same Soundkit for years and love it. I would share it but I can’t remember where I got it from as it was so long ago.

There’s a plethora of different kicks, snares, hi-hats, etc. for you to use. You can also make your own packs, which I will do for my readers!

If you need some sounds, just do a Google search for some free sound packs to get you started. You can also use the ones inside FL Studio.

Most sound packs and VSTs come in a zipped folder. Just make sure to extract the files before importing.

• Related: What is VST in audio? [Beginner’s Guide]

To import, go to OPTIONS > FILE SETTINGS.

Now just click on one of the folders and browse your PC for the packs you’d like to import. Simple as pie!

Now we’re ready to sample. This is where you get creative.

I sample from vinyl and also rip songs from the internet, always making sure to flip the sample in such a way that no one knows where it came from.

If you’re interested in my favorite turntable for sampling and chopping, check out my Audio Technica AT-LP60 review!

I’ve had it since 2014 and it’s still going strong!

You’ll basically be using the USB turntable to record the vinyl into a program like Audacity, saving it as a .WAV on your PC, and then chopping it up with Edison or Slicex.

Speaking of Edison, let’s dive in and see how it works.

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