- How Much Is Fl Studio Producer Edition
- How Much Is Fl Studio 12 For Mac
- How Much Is Fl Studio 12 For Mac
- How To Buy Fl Studio For Mac
What seemed to be an innocent joke, the rumors were confirmed officially by Image-Line: FL Studio 20 will be released in 2018.
MAY 2018 UPDATE! FL Studio 20 Is Now Available
The next version for the much-loved music production software FL Studio will not be the 13th version as it was normal to follow the previous 12 version, but it will release in version 20.
A first reason is that FL Studio 20 will mark the 20th anniversary of its existence.
On the Image-Line company forum, FL Studio 20 is already available for testing in a beta version, disguised as FL Studio 12.9. If you want to try it, you can download it here: FL Studio 12.9 (FL Studio 20 Beta).
Please note, I do not recommend using the beta version for your main productions yet, you may have some compatibility issues, also it will expire on January 15, 2018.
FL Studio Formerly known as Fruity Loops but after a run-in with Kelloggs, who thought people may confuse it with their breakfast cereal Over a decade ago, Image-Line officially changed the name of their classic software to FL Studio.
It’s official!
Yes, so it is officially confirmed the launch of the FL Studio 20 in 2018, it only remains to wait for an official launch date and see what improvements will include the new FL Studio 20. Typically, previous versions were released between March and April.
What’s new!
Some official features were already announced: we will see some improvements in the DirectWave, FruityReverb now supports 64bit, the mixer has expanded to 125 tracks, improving playlist visibility, time signature support, consolidating an individual track and much more.
The graphical interface mainly remains as in the previous version, very few changes. More emphasis has been placed on functionality and usability.
I think FL Studio 20 will come with at least a new virtual instrument and some new effects, as in FL Studio 12 version introduced the Transient Processor, Razer Chroma or Transistor Bass from version 12.4.
The ability to save your work in the cloud would be something really useful. In this way we’ll have access to our projects and files anywhere and whenever we need them. Remains to be seen.
Also, maybe we will see an official version of FL Studio 20 for MAC users, which is in development for some time.
I’m confident that the new FL Studio 20 will thank existing customers and make a place among the best music production programs in 2018 as it did each year so far.
Anyone who already owns the previous version of FL Studio DAW will be able to update the program to the latest version for free when it is available. That’s what I love at FL Studio, free updates for life! 🙂
What do you think about this change? What new features would you like to see in the new FL Studio 20? Leave your comments below.
Nowadays that virtually all music recording has gone digital…
The first question on every musician’s mind when first starting out with music production is:
Which computer should I get?
Though as I’m sure you already know, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer.
Because depending on factors such as:
- budget
- processing speed
- portability
YOUR ideal option might be completely different from someone else’s.
Which is why for today’s post, I intend to show you everything you need to know to find the perfect computer/laptop for YOUR setup.
So let’s begin. First up…
How Much Is Fl Studio Producer Edition
Laptops vs. Desktops
More and more these days, as technology becomes increasingly “mobile“…
Desktop computers are slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Yet for music recording, they’re still what all the pros continue to use.
Here’s why:
- They’re generally faster – their larger housing offers room for maximum processing power to meet the high demands of today’s DAW’s and plugins.
- They have more IN’s/OUT’s – which allow you to incorporate larger, more sophisticated routings to keep up with your ever-growing setup.
- They offer greater customization – which let’s you add more RAM, extra hard drives, additional video cards, and more…as necessary.
- They solve the noise problem – by allowing you to keep the tower (noisy) in a separate room for your studio monitors and microphones.
Despite all these advantages, the ONE thing that desktop computers lack is…PORTABILITY.
And in today’s world of DJ’s and mobile studios, the portability of a laptop is a MUST.
Plus…since most of us use a laptop for school/work anyway, it eliminates the need for 2 separate purchases.
Now at this point, I’ll assume you’ve already decided whether a desktop or laptop computer is right for you.
So let’s move on. Up next…
Mac vs. PC
Want to know the easiest way to piss-off a recording geek? Here’s what you do:
If he uses a PC in his studio, tell him Macs are better.
If he uses a Mac, tell him PC’s are better.
Because for some strange reason, this topic incites violent debates…that last forever, and result in no real conclusions.
In fact, I absolutely HATE giving my opinion on this topic.
But here it is anyway:
Personally, I like Macs. Not just for recording, but for everything. And these days, most of the music world (and the rest of the world) agrees.
If YOU agree as well…get a Mac.
So why a PC then? It’s usually 1 of 3 reasons:
- Price – Macs are usually more expensive than PC’s, and not everyone can afford them.
- Customization – computer nerds typically prefer PC’s, since they are much easier to modify/supercharge.
- Windows – some people just like the Windows OS.
If none of these 3 things apply to you…get a Mac.
But whichever side you choose, just know that tons of great music has been created on either one, and this topic isn’t nearly as important as some might have you believe.
Assuming you’ve made your decision…let’s move on.
Up next…
Mac Desktops
How Much Is Fl Studio 12 For Mac
With Mac desktops, you have 4 options:
- Mac Pro
- iMac
- iMac Pro
- Mac Mini
Now here’s how they compare:
First, there’s the Mac Pro.
For studio recording, there’s probably nothing better. Peek your head into any pro studio…and odds are, that’s what you’ll find.
And the reason why is because it’s the only model that’s made to be easily upgradable, whichever part you’re looking to switch.
Now, up until not so long ago, the Mac Pro was just overkill for most of us, whether it was in terms of specs, or price.
However…
There is a serious, brand new contender on the desktop mac scene: the iMac pro.
The iMac pro is basically the MOST POWERFUL (yes, way more powerful than the Mac Pro) mac to date, with the added benefit of being an iMac, meaning it’s an all-in-one computer with a monitor built-in.
Now, one look at the base model price and you’ll understand why this model is not for everyone… And don’t even look at the price of the boosted out model if you’re faint of heart..
But if you’re looking for the most powerful mac out there and don’t mind making a (very) long-term investment, the iMac Pro will have you covered for the next decade or so.
Now for the overwhelming majority of us who can’t afford the iMac Pro, the next option is probably the best: the iMac.
While not nearly as powerful, the regular iMac is equally as practical for a typical beginner’s setup.
If you can afford it, it’s quite likely the ideal choice for most home studios.
If you CAN’T however, your final option is the Mac Mini.
How many times have your heard someone say:
I want to get a Mac, but they’re too expensive 🙁
Well the Mac Mini is proof that this is not entirely true.
And quite surprisingly, while the older models were definitely not on par with the iMac or Mac Pro in terms of speed…
The newer models, and especially the boosted ones show surprisingly good performances on the benchmark, and in some cases even outperforms the regular iMac.
It may not have the speed or flexibility of the more expensive models…but it offers ALL the benefits of the Mac OSX, for a very modest price tag.
- Mac Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- iMac Pro – (Amazon/B&H)
- iMac – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Mac Mini – (Amazon/GuitarC/B&H)
Up next…
PC Desktops
For those of you guys who build custom PCs…
I have no doubt you know far more about this subject than I do…
So…
If you can assemble something faster and better than a Mac Pro…go for it.
I wouldn’t dare try to convince you otherwise.
If however, you DON’T fall into this category, and you really don’t know much about computers at all…
Then I suggest staying away from PC desktops altogether.
And here’s why:
If you’re NOT a huge PC fan, the only reason to choose a PC for your studio would be if you’re a beginner trying to save money.
And since the main benefit of desktop computer is MORE PROCESSING POWER, it makes little sense to get any desktop that isn’t blazing fast.
So if you only have $500 to spend, you might as well get a laptop, so you can at least have some portability as well.
Having said that, let’s move on…
The 4 KEY Laptop Specs
Since we’ve already established that laptops are…in a way…”less-than-ideal” for music production…
How Much Is Fl Studio 12 For Mac
Here are 5 potential issues to look out for:
- Mechanical Noise – if you’re a DJ in a loud club, this obviously doesn’t matter. But in a bedroom studio, it matters a lot. One way to check for this: read a ton of user reviews. Another way: opt for a SSD (solid state drive) with no moving parts, over a traditional HDD (hard disk drive).
- Backlit Keys – in low-light environments such as lounges and clubs, these are a MUST-HAVE.
- Screen Size – you may not think it’s important now, but once you’ve spent some time with any DAW, you’ll quickly see how valuable a bigger screen can be.
- Ports – as laptops get increasingly smaller, the number of ins/outs gets smaller as well. So make sure you have enough to get by.
Now let’s check out some laptops already…
Mac Laptops
With Mac laptops you have 3 options:
- Macbook Pro
- Macbook Air
- Macbook
How To Buy Fl Studio For Mac
First, there’s the Macbook Pro.
My best guess is…Macbook Pros are the single most popular laptops for home recording.
- They’re ultra fast
- They’ve got lots of inputs
- They have large screen with detailed display
If you can afford it, get it. If not…
Then the Macbook and Macbook Air come in TIED at a distant2nd place.
They’re not as fast, and they don’t have nearly as many inputs, but they’re extremely thin and lightweight…the Macbook Air ESPECIALLY!
So there you go. Check them out:
- Macbook Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Macbook Air – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Macbook – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
Up next…
PC Laptops
On one hand, PC laptops are GREAT…
Because you have a virtually unlimited number of options to choose from.
On the other hand, PC laptops SUCK…for the exact same reason.
And what I mean by that is…
While it’s nice to have options, the more options you have, the harder it is:
- to actually choose one
- to be certain you’ve made the right choice
- to be happy with your choice after you’ve made it
And unfortunately, for music production, there is no clear-cut winner that stands out from all the others.
But as most people agree…the best PC laptops for music tend to be the best PC laptops in general.
So here are 5 of the most popular and well-reviewed options:
- HP Envy – (Amazon/B&H)
- Asus Zenbook – (Amazon/B&H)
- LG Gram – (Amazon/B&H)
- Dell Inspiron – (Amazon/B&H)
- Lenovo Yoga 3 – (Amazon)
Up next…
DAW System Requirements
One important point worthy of mention that rarely gets discussed…
Is the system requirements for your DAW of choice.
Even though these days, most computers are compatible with most DAW’s…
In some rare cases…they’re NOT, so you should always double check just to make sure.
If you don’t have a preferred DAW yet, or don’t even know what a DAW is, then don’t worry about this part.
However for those of you that DO, here are the links to the system requirements for each of today’s top DAW’s:
Up next…
3 Essential Computer Accessories
Once you’ve finally chosen a computer, next come the ACCESSORIES.
For recording studios, the 3 accessories I recommend are:
- a keyboard
- a mouse
- a monitor
Now here’s what you want from each one…
1. The Keyboard
While any old keyboard will do…
Your ideal keyboard should include 3 features:
- DAW shortcut markers – which help you memorize all those shortcuts WAY faster.
- A number pad – which includes a TON of useful shortcuts for most DAW’s.
- A wireless connection – which allows you access to your transport controls from anywhere in the room.
NOTE: Even if you have a laptop, you may still find it worthwhile to buy an external keyboard. That’s how useful they are.
Now here are my 2 favorites:
- Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard – besides having a number pad and a wireless connection, this keyboard has one unique feature that you almost never see: solar power. That means no batteries or cables ever.
- PC – (Amazon/B&H)
- Mac – (Amazon/B&H)
- LogicKeyboard Custom DAW Keyboards – (website) – easily the most well-known maker of software shortcut markers, LogicKeyboard has both custom keyboards and skin layovers for virtually every DAW/keyboard combo imaginable.
Up next…
2. The Mouse
Again…while any old mouse (or trackpad) will do…
With a really good mouse…
A few programmable buttons can give you access to your most frequently used DAW shortcuts without ever touching your keyboard.
And this one tool can speed up your workflow significantly.
While there are an almost infinite number of these mice to choose from…I suggest Logitech.com as a good place to start your search.
My personal favorite mouse in their line is the Logitech MX Ergo – (Amazon/B&H). If you’re not sure what to get, I highly recommend it.
For some other great options, check these out as well:
- Logitech MX Master2S – (Amazon/B&H)
- Logitech MX Anywhere 2S – (Amazon/B&H)
3. The Computer Monitor
When you first start out with home recording…
You probably won’t recognize the value of REALLY GOOD monitor right away.
But eventually, after working without one for a while…
You’ll notice 3 things:
- Low resolution screens can only display a small number of tracks at once.
- Flat screen TV’s often look pixelated, and are awkward to view from close up.
- Screens with slower refresh rates can’t display level meters in sync with the track.
Any one of these problems alone is annoying. All 3 together will drive you crazy.
And once that happens, I highly suggest getting a good external monitor.
For a good high-end option, here is an example of something that would work well:
- LG 27″ 4k – (Amazon/B&H)
As an alternative, any standard monitor (such as this one) will work almost as well, such as he HP 27er.
- Click here to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H)