Essential Plugins for Hip Hop and EDM Production in FL Studio
I've recently started learning music production and considering using FL Studio for creating beats. I'm aware I need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and a MIDI controller, but what about additional plugins? This guide will help you get the best sound for hip hop and EDM production without breaking the bank.
Why Consider Btv Solo Over FL Studio?
When starting out, you might be wondering whether to invest in a more expensive DAW like FL Studio or opt for an alternative. Btv Solo, an affordable alternative, is worth considering. It is intuitive and user-friendly, especially for novice producers. YouTube tutorials can be incredibly helpful in getting started. Additionally, Btv Solo allows you to create beats using just your computer's keyboard, and you can enhance your sound with soundkits available at BTVsounds for just $10 due to an ongoing sale. While FL Studio is powerful, Btv Solo offers a simpler and cost-effective solution for beginners.
Top Paid Plugins for Complex Sounds
When it comes to synthesizers for complex sounds and leads, Serum is universally acknowledged as the best. Native Instruments (NI) has revamped their old synth, Massive X, in the form of Massive X. Both of these options are highly recommended. These synthesizers offer advanced sound design capabilities and can significantly enhance your music production.
Essential Free Plugins for Sound Shaping
CamelCrusher
Pextracting aggressive and warm sounds from simple waveforms is what CamelCrusher does best. It features two types of distortion, a resonant filter, and a compressor perfect for adding punch to drums and bass. Many producers use it regularly, especially in the dubstep community, where it is a favorite.
Klanghelm IVGI 2
Klanghelm IVGI 2 provides a gentler approach, adding subtle warmth and drive to a sound. It includes asymmetry and drive effects, along with a gain and mix knob, giving you the flexibility to shape your sounds in a more subtle yet effective manner.
Noiz Filter
Noiz Filter is a powerful yet user-friendly filter plugin that offers control over drive, resonance, and cutoff. The plugin even has a built-in secondary FX unit with over 100 unique modes, including effects like "tortured vinyl," "electrical hum," "ambience," and "mechanical noise," providing a wide range of sound design options.
AdHd Leveling Tool
ADHd Leveling Tool is a versatile fine-tuning and leveling plugin with numerous options to adjust warmth and mildness. While it lacks sidechaining, it excels in precise adjustment of audio levels, making it a valuable tool for achieving balanced mixes.
NI Supercharger
NI Supercharger is a robust compressor designed to add punch and grit to your sound. Despite having only a few controls, it is highly modular, featuring toggleable "punch," "sidechain," and "dirt" buttons, along with a central compress knob. Its rough and aggressive qualities make it a great choice for adding depth and character to your music.
TAL Reverb Plugins
TAL, a fantastic company that offers free synthesizers and effects, provides three reverb plugins: TAL Reverb 2, 3, and 4. Each has its unique character, from the heavy and wet TAL Reverb 2 to the detuned and ambient TAL Reverb 3, and the versatile mix of both in TAL Reverb 4. While premium reverb plugins are preferred, TAL reverb plugins can serve as a solid alternative for budget-conscious producers.
TAL Noisemaker
TAL Noisemaker is more than just a filter; it is a synth. This free synth is exceptional, offering two oscillators with uncontrollable noise and sub options. It includes built-in reverb and delay effects, although the quality is not as high as paid alternatives. Nonetheless, it provides essential sound design tools for your setup.
I hope this guide helps you in your journey as a budget-conscious musician in the digital age. The key is to start with essential tools and gradually expand as you grow more comfortable with production techniques. Don't forget that practice and experimentation are the best teachers.