AUTOMATION & RECORDING
It is possible to use up to 16 MIDI controllers simultaneously, for more details see the Multiple controllers & multiple plugin channels section on the MIDI settings page. Generally, each controller should be set to a unique MIDI channel. When playing instruments, the controllers will be automatically assigned by ascending MIDI channel number, to active instrument channels, from top to bottom in the Channel window. For automation of controls/knobs FL Studio will remember the MIDI channel the controller was set to when links are made to program/plugin target/s, so only the controller that made the link will control the target/s.
FL Studio is preconfigured to work with a number of custom controllers. Features supported include endless (relative) knobs, switch controls, support for jog and transport controls. To enable the advanced features of your custom controller, select it in the Input list in the MIDI settings window. If the device is not listed, it does not have preconfigured support - this does not mean it won't work, just some of the special (non standard) controls may not function correctly.
These are usually small boxes filled with controls, for any kind of use
These keyboards also feature drum pads
(also emulated by some other controllers ["MCU"])
These are dedicated to clip launching, typically feature more pads (usually 8x8) & are "the real deal" including controller feedback and full functionality:
(8x5 [rotated], 3 colors, scene launch & stop pads, knobs [APC40])
customizable touch UI.
(8x8, monochrome, knobs)
(8x8, a dozen colors, follows FL's native track orientation, track stop pads)
(8x12, mapping designed for FL)
(4x4, full color pads)
These are suitable for clip launching as well, but have fewer features, usually 4x4 pads & fewer feedback colors:
Your device, not on the list? Don't worry it will likely function correctly Set the Input to USB Audio Device and the Controller type to '(generic controller)' , make sure to select the 'Enable' switch to the left of the Controller type menu. For more information on setting up MIDI controllers in FL Studio, see this page.
More controllers: For the latest list of supported devices visit the MIDI Controller Reference forum.
Controller templates: There are a number of controller templates in the FL Studio installation directory (\Program Files\Image-Line\FL Studio\System\Hardware specific). These templates are loaded into the editor that came with your controller and will map it to FL Studio. You may then be required to select the controller type in the Input settings (when FL doesn't do it automatically).
If you have a multimedia keyboard you can use the Play/Pause button to Start/Pause FL Studio, and the Stop button to stop and return the song position marker to the beginning of the Playlist. The FF/RW buttons will jump between Playlist Time Markers, if present.