WAVE EDITOR / RECORDER

Edison

Edison is a fully integrated audio editing and recording tool. Edison loads into an effect slot (in any mixer track) and will then record or play audio from that position. You may load as many instances of Edison as you require in any number of Mixer Tracks or Effects slots. To open Edison press Ctrl+E in a Sampler Channel, or load from the effects menu into mixer track/s.

Transport Controls

Recording Options

Menu Buttons

File

  • Open/Save options
    • New - Opens a new (empty) editor window.
    • Load sample (Ctrl+O) - Opens a file browser dialog in 'load' mode.
    • Save sample as (Ctrl+S) - Opens a file browser dialog in 'save' mode. The pop-up dialog has two options under the 'Save as type' field.
      • Microsoft wave file (*.wav) - Standard lossless .wav file at the bit-depth and sample rate set in the Sample Properties dialog.
      • Microsoft compressed wave file (*.wav) - Lossy compression formats. After initiating the save a second dialog opens to save the sample in one of many compressed formats. MS compressed wave files simply wrap the selected compression type in a *.wav file, and put information in the wave header as to what decompression method the opening program should use (not all programs read this information). FL Studio will load and decompress MS compressed wave files automatically as long as you have the appropriate codec installed.
      • WavPack (*.wv) - Lossless or lossy, depending on settings, open-source compression (see the WavPack website for more details). After initiating save in this format you will be prompted for a bit-depth (lossless is the default, other settings are lossy compression modes). In 'lossless' mode expect between 30-70% reduction in file sizes, useful for archiving purposes. FL Studio will load and decompress WavPack files automatically.
      • MPEG 3 audio file (*.mp3) - Mp3 is a Lossy compression format. It has gained world-wide popularity because it was one of the first on the market that provided good quality lossy compression. After initiating a save a second dialog opens to select the quality (bit-rate), this controls the tradeoff between audio quality and file size. Good listening quality on portable devices starts at about 160 kbps, use 224 kbps or 320 (max) if you want something probably indistinguishable from CD quality.
      • Ogg Vorbis (*.ogg) - Lossy, open source compression format, similar in concept to mp3 (see the Vorbis or Ogg Wikipedia website for more details). After initiating a save a second dialog opens to select the quality (bit-rate), this controls the tradeoff between audio quality and file size. Use a setting of 0.50 or more if you want good quality. FL Studio will load and decompress *.ogg files automatically.
      • FLAC audio file (*.flac) - FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is similar to WAV format in retaining all audio information in the encoded waveform. However, FLAC is useful as it also compresses (reduces) the file size significantly. Usually between 10 and 20% the size of the equivalent WAV file. This is not audio-level compression, it's file-size compression, similar to .zip etc.

      NOTE: Do not use any of the lossy formats (Microsoft compressed wave file, MPEG 3 or Ogg Vorbis) to archive project samples or loops. Use Microsoft wave files or WavPack in lossless compression mode if you want to save space. Hard disk space is cheap, samples may be irreplaceable.

    • Save sample as 24 bit .wav file... - Use 24 bit format. Use when a collaborator or program you are working with does not support 32 Bit format (preferred).
    • Export regions - Both 'region markers' and/or consecutive 'location markers' will be treated as defining regions during 'Export regions'. A 'Marker' is a position flag, with an optional name, description and middle note. A 'Region' is a marker plus an end point. Right-click markers (tag at the top of the marker) to set a name, trigger note etc.
      • For common use - Exports regions as simple wave files without root-note or pitch 'meta data'. The names of the markers at the start of each region are used to create the file name/s.
      • For sampler use - Exports regions as wave files including root-note or pitch 'meta data'. The names of the markers at the start of each region are used as file names with root note added to the end. This is used by samplers like DirectWave to import multi-sample banks and auto-map them to keys.
    • Export display as - Exports the wave display as a .png or .jpg image.
  • Settings - Opens a transport and MIDI settings dialog.
    • Piano keyboard preview - While Edison is focused notes will be trapped and not passed onto the currently selected channel.
      • Link key to - Note preview (plays the whole sample), Slice preview (plays slices), Auto (plays slices or the whole sample depending on the note range and the presence of slices).
    • Slave playback to host - Determines how Edison responds to host Playlist selections.
      • Ignore host selection - Edison will play back the equivalent region (based on time), as selected in the host. For example, if you record your whole song into Edison you can select a part of the song in FL Studio and Edison will play the same selected part.
      • Ignore own selection - The region selected in Edison controls the region (based on time) of the Playlist played.
  • Recent projects - Lists the 10 most recently opened projects.

Format

  • Edit properties (F2) - Opens the Sample Properties dialog where you can set the file properties.
  • Resolution
    • 16-Bit int - Sets the file to 16-Bit integer format. This is CD audio standard.
    • 32-Bit float - Sets the file to 32-Bit floating point format. This is the native format for FL Studio audio processing.
  • Channels
    • Mono - Sets the file to Mono.
    • Stereo - Sets the file to Stereo. Mono files will be saved with L and R channels containing the same data.

Edit

Many of the actions in this menu work on a selected region. To select a region, Left-click in the sample window and drag horizontally. To move the start point, Left-click near the start of the region and drag to a new point. To move the end point, Left-click near the end of the region and drag to a new point. At any time you can zoom the window using the mouse-wheel.

  • Undo (item) (Ctrl+Z) - The first item in this menu indicates the last action performed.
  • Undo history - Displays the last 10 actions.
  • Undo using mix (envelope) - Uses the All-Purpose envelope to guide the undo process. A number of options will be shown based on the actions recently made.
  • Undo using mix (spectral) - Uses the All-Purpose envelope to apply the EQ curve set in the EQ tool. Apply an EQ, tweak the all-purpose envelope, use the 'Undo mix envelope' option.
  • Enable undo for large samples - Allows undo for samples larger than 16 MB. This is useful for saving memory and CPU when working on very large samples.
  • Cut (Ctrl+X) - Cuts the selected region.
  • Copy (Ctrl+C) - Copies the selected region.
  • Paste insert (Ctrl+V) - Inserts the copied sample at the start of the selected region.
  • Paste replace (Alt+V) - Replaces the selected region with the copied sample. The duration of the copied sample determines how much of the region will be replaced.
  • Paste mix (Shift+V) - Mixes the copied sample with the selected region. The duration of the copied sample determines how much of the region will be mixed.
  • Paste mix (envelope) (Shift+Ctrl+V) - Uses the All-Purpose envelope to decide how the sample in the clipboard buffer is mixed with the sample in the editor. The envelope controls the mix level (0 to 100%). The duration of the copied sample determines how much of the region will be mixed.
  • Paste mix (spectral) (Ctrl+Alt+V) - Paste-mixes the sample from the clipboard into the edit window according to the EQ curve set in the EQ tool. Apply an EQ, use the 'Paste mix (spectral) option.
  • Paste stretch (Shift+Ctrl+T) - Pastes the copied sample via the Time Stretch / Pitch Shift Tool.
  • Paste replace (drum) (Shift+T) - Opens the Paste replace drum tool. This tool reconstructs the decay portions of drum beats that may have been cropped during the slicing process and replaces the selection to the original location.
  • Clear (Shift+Del) - Clears the selected region, leaving the rest of the sample unchanged. Consider this a mute function.
  • Delete (Del) - Deletes the selected region. This function will change the overall length of the sample.
  • Trim (Ctrl+Del) - Deletes the region outside the selection.
  • Delete part after loop ( Alt+Del) - Deletes sample data after the loop end point.
  • Insert silence (Ins) - Inserts silence from the region start point of a length equal to the selected region.
  • Click-free (smooth) editing (C) - Switch, prevents audio clicks/pops in samples caused by edit functions. This option avoids the clicks caused by discontinuities in the sample amplitude at cut/splice points by fading, or crossfading, edit points by a few samples.
  • Transport keystrokes to host - Determines if certain keystrokes (SPACE for example) affect the Edison window or the main UI.

Tools

  • Envelope
    • Cancel all envelopes (Alt+E) - Cancels all envelopes.
    • Add points at selection (P) - Automatically adds points at the start, middle and end of a selected region for the currently selected envelope type 'Envelope Selector'.
    • Add points at regions - Adds control points at the boundary of the selected region and/or where region markers are located.
    • Flip vertically - Inverts the envelope points.
    • Scale levels - Opens the Scale level tool.
    • Normalize levels - Scales the envelope so the highest and/or lowest levels reach +/- 100%.
    • Decimate points - Opens a simple tool that allows manipulation of the number of control points in the envelope. Point selection must be continuous.
    • Filter - Opens the Envelope Filter tool.
    • Smooth up - Opens the Smooth Up tool that allows smoothing of the envelope shape.
    • Turn all points smooth - Preset filter to quickly filter the envelope.
    • Create sequence - Opens the Envelope sequencer.
  • Amp
    • Mixdown amp envelopes (Ctrl+E) - Applies custom envelope/s to the sound.
    • Amp (Alt+A) - Opens the Amplitude Tool that allows you to modify L/R channel volume, Panning and Stereo Separation.
    • Reverse polarity - Inverts the phase of the waveform.
    • Normalize (Ctrl+N) - increases the amplitude of the waveform so that the loudest sample is at 100% maximum possible level. The process works by determining the multiplication factor that will make the loudest sample reach 100%, then multiplies all samples by this value, rescaling them.
    • Lossy normalize - Similar to the standard Normalize, the amplitude of the waveform is increased so that the loudest sample is at 100% maximum possible level. There is an additional manipulation of the waveform phase that can sometimes tease out a few more dB gain. The process is considered 'lossy' as it changes the waveform phase, although it should sound identical to the standard Normalization.
    • Fade in (Ctrl+F) - Ramps up the volume from 0% to 100% using a logarithmic curve. If a region is selected the fade function will apply to that, if not, the entire sample will fade in.
    • Fade out (Alt+F) - Ramps down the volume from 100% to 0% using a logarithmic curve. If a region is selected the fade function will apply to that, if not, the entire sample will fade out.
    • Declick in - Smooths clicks at the beginning of a selection.
    • Declick out - Smooths clicks at the end of a selection.
  • Waveform
    • Center - Removes DC offset. The average amplitude of the waveform is shifted to be at the zero crossing.
  • Time
    • Reverse (Alt+Left) - Reverses the entire wave or selection.
    • Time stretch / pitch shift (Alt+T) - Opens the Time Stretch / Pitch Shift Tool to independently manipulate pitch, time and formants.
    • Drum(loop) stretch (Ctrl+T) - Opens the Drum (loop) stretch tool, which restores decay portions of drum beats that may have been cropped during the slicing process.
    • Claw machine (Alt+W) - Opens the Claw machine tool, that works on a tempo-sliced sample, removing beats, adding beats and/or shifting beats to create interesting new rhythms. NOTE: The sample must have a tempo set (or beatmarkers set) for the option to be available.
    • Scratch (envelope) - Uses the All-Purpose Envelope to apply 'scratching' effects to the sample, i.e. automate the playback direction and speed.
  • Channels
    • Swap channels - Swaps the left and right channels.
    • Convert left channel to mono - Converts the sample to a mono file based on the left channel.
    • Convert right channel to mono - Converts the sample to a mono file based on the right channel.
    • Convert mono signal to mono format - Converts the file to a mono format if both left and right channels are equal.
  • Synthesis
    • Generate noise - Generates white noise in the selected region or whole sample if a region is not selected.
  • Scripting
    • Run script - Opens a menu containing the list of available scripts. You can write your own scripts using Python that run when you select the script from the menu.

      Save scripts - as .pyscript files in the FL Studio installation directory under the FL Studio User data folder ..Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Settings\Audio scripts. Files saved here will be visible the next time you use the 'run script' command. Dialogs - Note that while some of the demo scripts show a dialog, it isn't necessary to use them. Errors - If a script has an error, a dialog is shown explaining the error with options to 'edit' the script or 'run' it again. Writing scripts - Examine the contents of the existing scripts and read the Reference.txt file in the script directory to learn more about writing them and the functions available. You can learn more about Python HERE.

    • Run last script - Repeats the last script run.
  • Noise
    • Acquire noise threshold (Alt+N) - Uses the peak of the selection as the noise/gate threshold. To use: select a region of the sample containing only noise and click this button.
    • Gate noise - Forces the sections of the sample below the noise threshold (shown in green) to silence.
    • Trim side noise - Trims any parts of the sample that are below the threshold volume. Set gate threshold - Left-click the peak meter and move the mouse up/down to change the threshold. A green band will display (as shown in the Edison screen shot above) in the sample view window.
    • Trim all noise & slice up - Trims any parts of the sample that are below the threshold volume and slices the regions defined by the resulting gaps. Set gate threshold - Left-click the peak meter and move the mouse up/down to change the threshold. A green band will display (as shown in the Edison screen shot above) in the sample view window.
  • Spectral
  • Regions
    • Normalize all regions - Normalizes all regions to the loudest region in the selection. This equalizes the peak levels of the selected Regions. If you want actual normalization, where regions peak at 100% of the available amplitude, run the standard Normalize tool after using Normalize all regions. TIP: You can quick access this feature by (Right-Click) the Normalize icon in the Toolbar.
    • Declick in all regions - Remove clicks from the start of regions (works by creating a very fast fade-in).
    • Declick out all regions - Remove clicks from the end of regions (works by creating a very fast fade-out).
    • Perfect all regions - Declicks the start and end of all regions (as described above).
    • Tune loop (Ctrl+L)- Opens the Tune Loop Tool dialog that allows you access to the main loop controls for a region.
  • Analysis
    • Convert to score and dump to piano roll - Slices the sample, pitch-detects each slice and creates a note-score to match, dumping it to the Piano roll of the currently selected Channel. See also: Newtone
  • Sequencing
    • Send to Playlist as audio clip (Shift+C) - Dumps the selection to the Playlist as an Audio Clip.
    • Send to selected channel - Dumps the selection to the selected Channel.

      NOTE: An alternative method for exporting audio is to use the Drag / copy sample / move selection button on the Sample Edit Functions shortcut toolbar.

Regions

  • Regions
    • Add region (Alt+M) - Adds region start and end markers at the boundaries of the defined region.
    • Add marker (M) - Adds a single marker at the start of the selected region. This can be dragged to a new position by the square handle at the top of the marker.
    • Set loop (Alt+L) - Defines the selected region as a loop. Special red loop markers will appear.
    • Set first downbeat - Adds a Downbeat marker at the start of the selected region. The marker is used to align Audio Clips to the Playlist grid. The marker can be dragged to a new position by the square handle at the top of the marker. Quick method:
      • Manual Downbeat & Grid alignment - Right-Ctrl + Right-Shift + Click on the location in the sample where the first downbeat marker is to be set, hold and drag horizontally to fine-tune the position if needed. Then, release the mouse button and click again with the Right-Ctrl + Right-Shift keys still held (drag left/right) to adjust the grid spacing to align the grid to the beat.
    • Delete (Shift+Ctrl+Del) - Deletes the selected region, loop or marker.
    • Rename all (Ctrl+F2) - Steps through the regions in the editor allowing them to be named.
    • Quick rename all (Alt+F2)- Steps through the regions in the editor providing quick name options, allowing all regions to be named.
    • Auto rename all - Automatically renames all regions based on an audio analysis of the waveforms. This function is designed to work with percussion sounds and works best when there are clearly distinct hits.
    • Assign trigger notes to all - Automatically steps through the regions/slices allowing you to assign trigger notes to each region. Trigger notes are the MIDI note numbers that will plat the specific region.
    • Assign to all - Choose to automatically assign regions to: Whole Keyboard, White Notes, Black Notes or None.
  • Region marker Right-click options - From the Editor Window Right-click markers to access the following menu:
    • Delete - Delete the selected Marker.
    • Clone as region - Duplicates the region markers. The new Markers will be overlaid on the original ones, ready to drag to a new location.
    • Turn into marker - Turns a region into a single Marker. The end Marker will be deleted.
    • Rename - Rename a Marker.
    • Quick rename - Choose from a menu of preexisting labels.
    • Set info - Add notes to Markers.
    • Purpose - Choose from Basic, Beat, Downbeat, CD track, CD index and Single Cycle. This information will ne added to exported WAV files and be available for plugins or software that use this data. For example, setting markers as CD tracks will allow you to export a WAV file that will be seen by CD players as separate tracks at each marker.
    • Trigger note - Set note that triggers the slice. Will also be saved with exported Slices to WAV files.
    • Select - Select the Marker/region.
    • Zoom on - Zoom to the selected Marker, full display width.
  • Detection
    • Auto slice
      • Dull auto-slicing - Few slices/regions. Auto-sclicing is based on peak detection, and so requires peaks in the sample associated with beats to work correctly.
      • Medium auto-slicing (Alt+S) - More slices/regions.
      • Sharp auto-slicing - The most slices/regions.
      • Small grid-slicing - Slices the sample according to the small grid lines.
      • Medium grid-slicing - Slices the sample according to the medium grid lines.
      • Large grid-slicing - Slices the sample according to the large grid lines.
    • Detect beats - Detects beats and slices according to regions assigning downbeat and regular beat markers.
    • Detect pitch regions - Detects and slices according to regions of constant pitch.

    • Zero-cross check all regions - Moves the region markers to the nearest zero-crossing. Removes clicks at the start and end of the regions.
    • Freeze all (switch) - Prevents region editing.

View

  • Audio
    • Spectrum (S) - Selects spectrum view. This display mode shows time on the horizontal axis and frequency on the vertical axis. Brighter or more saturated colors (depending on the spectrum gradient options) represent louder frequencies.
    • Dual view - Shows both the spectrum and waveform views superimposed.
    • Display settings - Change the appearance of the spectrum display mode.
      • Fancy mode - Smoothed waveform view.
      • Coloring - Color is mapped to the predominant frequencies in the audio. Reds are lower frequencies such as bass or the sustain of kicks, blues are higher frequencies such as transients and the splash of cymbals. There is a color gradient from red to blue as there frequencies from low to high.
      • Waveform channels - Note that in stereo mode L and R channels are superimposed with slightly different colors (zoom to view more clearly).
        • Mono - Display a single (L/R averaged) waveform.
        • Multichannel - Display all channels (superimposed).
        • Left - Display Left channel.
        • Right - Display Right channel.
      • Spectrum precision - 32, to 8192 bands. This is the number of vertical slices the frequency domain is divided into, higher numbers provide more detailed analysis. Resize Edison to obtain an overall larger view.
      • Natural scale - Sets the vertical scale to reflect the musical 'octave' relationship of frequencies (a logarithmic scale). This will stretch the lower frequencies to occupy a greater area and so is particularly useful when working with frequencies below 500 Hz.
      • Natural weighting - Sets the color intensity gradient to better represent the way we hear frequencies. Specifically, it changes the brightness weighting from white noise, a linear relationship between frequency and display brightness to pink noise. Pink noise decreases the intensity by 3dB/Octave, making it more suitable for musical uses as the higher frequencies no longer dominate the spectral display brightness, which is closer to how we hear those same frequencies.
      • Enhanced Frequency/Time - These options improve the visibility of details particularly at lower frequencies. These options work well with a spectrum precison of 1024.
      • Draft - Less visibility of details in favor of quicker graphics responsiveness.
      • Spectrum gradient - 12 dB steps, Charcoal, Furnace, Deeper furnace, Glacier, Temperature, The Matrix. Choose the theme that reveals the most detail in the sound or that appeals to you.
  • Regions
    • Regions - Turns region markers on/off.
    • Loop - Turns loop markers on/off.
  • Time
    • Time in samples - Displays the time-base in samples. This information is displayed to the bottom left of the peak meter. Right-clicking the time display opens a context menu showing -
      • Deselect (Up arrow) - Deselects the current selection.
      • Select before current selection - Selects the area before the current selection.
      • Select after current selection - Selects the area after the current selection.
      • Select zoomed part (Ctrl+A) - Selects the region defined by the visible sample.
      • Select previous region (Left arrow) - Selects the previous region.
      • Select next region (Right arrow) - Selects the next region.
  • Misc
    • Scroller above - Places the Zoom / Scroll bar X above the sample.
    • Background gradient - Applies a 3D background effect to the sample edit window
    • Invert grid - Inverts the background colors

Snap

  • Snap to grid (1) - Envelope points and selections snap to the background grid.
  • Snap to regions (2) - Envelope points and selections snap to the region markers.
  • Snap to samples (3) - Envelope points and selections snap to samples.
  • Snap to zero-crossing (4) - Envelope points and selections snap to zero crossings. This is the point where the waveform crosses the 0 amplitude line and is useful to avoid clicks.
  • Snap to pitch period (5) - Envelope points and selections snap to the period of any pitch detected at the selection point.

Select

  • Deselect (Up arrow) - Deselects the current selection.
  • Select before current selection - Selects the area before the current selection.
  • Select after current selection - Selects the area after the current selection.
  • Select zoomed part (Ctrl+A) - Selects the region defined by the visible sample.
  • Select previous region (Left arrow) - Selects the previous region.
  • Select next region (Right arrow) - Selects the next region.

Zoom

  • Zoom in 2x (PgUp) - Zooms in 2 times.
  • Zoom out 2x (PgDn) - Zooms out 2 times.
  • Zoom out full (Home) - Displays the full sample.
  • Zoom on selection (End) - Zooms the selection to fill the Sample Edit Window.
  • Zoom on left of selection (Ctrl+Left) - Centers the Sample Edit Window on the right edge of the selection at maximum zoom.
  • Zoom on right of selection (Ctrl+Right) - Centers the Sample Edit Window on the left edge of the selection at maximum zoom.

Sample Edit Functions

Special Controls

Peak Meter

Sample Edit Window

Main Menu

Envelope Selector

Feature Switches

Zoom/Scroll Bar

Time/Sample Display

Sample Properties (F2)