Are FL Studio Stock Plugins Good Enough? (8 Things To Remember)
With so many great third-party plugins out there, many beginner producers wonder if their chosen DAW is just as good. Many DAWs come with stock plugins within the software.
This is common with FL Studio users who often wonder if the included stock plugins are good enough. It is a valid concern because better plugins mean you’ll have the potential to make great music.
In this article, we check out whether FL Studio stock plugins are good enough to make professional music.
Let’s get straight to it.
Are FL Studio Stock Plugins Good Enough?
Yes, they are definitely good enough to create professional-sounding music.
FL Studio 21 Producer Edition has a variety of stock plugins, including virtual instruments and effects, for music producers. They integrate seamlessly into the software, allowing a smooth workflow.
While some prefer third-party plugins, FL Studio’s stock plugins are far from inadequate.
They have powerful features, sound libraries, and user-friendly interfaces. FL Studio regularly updates these VSTs, ensuring they stay current and improve over time.
Tips for using FL Studio stock plugins:
- Experiment with different settings and parameters to see what kind of sounds you can create.
- Use the built-in help files to learn more about the different features and functions of each plugin.
- Search online for tutorials and presets to get started with FL Studio stock plugins.
- Join the FL Studio community to connect with other users and share tips and tricks.
FL Studio’s stock plugins provide a solid foundation for music production, offering creative possibilities.
While external VSTs may have more options, FL Studio’s native offerings are more than capable.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, exploring and experimenting with FL Studio’s stock plugins is worthwhile.
See Also: How Long Does It Take to Learn FL Studio? (14 Considerations)
Can You Make A Good Song With Stock Plugins?
Yes. In fact, many professional songs have been made using stock plugins. The quality of the sound of a song is not determined by the plugins that are used but by the skill of the producer and the creativity of the artist.
FL Studio provides an array of stock plugins that include virtual instruments and effects. Some producers gravitate towards third-party VSTs and expensive hardware.
The stock plugins within FL Studio are anything but ordinary. They can take your creativity and turn it into a full-blown song.
These plugins act as the building blocks for musical innovation. From powerful synthesizers to captivating effects, FL Studio’s stock VSTs cover a wide sonic spectrum.
This allows producers to unleash their creativity when making tracks from scratch.
One advantage of using stock plugins is their seamless integration into FL Studio. Producers can make songs from scratch without ever leaving the DAW.
Pros And Cons Of Using Stock Plugins
Pros
- Save money
- Good starting point for beginners
- Create a wide variety of sounds
- Learn sound synthesis faster
Cons
- Doesn’t offer the same level of sound quality as third-party plugins
- Not as customizable as third-party plugins
- Not as compatible with other DAWs
While third-party VSTs may have their advantages, FL Studio’s stock plugins have notable features. They offer diverse sound libraries, advanced modulation options, and user-friendly interfaces.
One other advantage is that all FL’s plugins are beginner-friendly and pro-ready. This makes learning music production easier for beginners.
When coupled with a good Midi Keyboard Controller, making tracks within FL Studio is not only fast, but it is also enjoyable. You can experiment with different stock samples and VSTs that come with FL Studio 21.
Pro users can also work well within the FL Studio DAW due to its professional VSTs and UI. In fact, some professional producers made their name using FL and still use it in their established careers.
FL Studio’s commitment to regular updates ensures that stock plugins stay relevant and continue to evolve.
Producers can expect improved functionality and expanded creative potential as FL Studio progresses.
See Also: Is FL Studio Used In Professional Studios?
Best Stock Plugins In FL Studio
FLEX, Maximus, Gross Beat, Parametric EQ2, Fruity Reverb, and Sytrus are the go-to stock VSTs for FL Studio users. FL Studio offers many more stock plugins, each with its own unique features.
Preferences may vary based on individual needs and musical styles. Several stock plugins in FL Studio are widely regarded as exceptional.
A good advantage of stock VSTs is that they receive regular updates that may improve performance and features. These updates include bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements.
For example, Fruity Parametric EQ2 received a big update that now includes a real-time histogram display. This makes it easier to see which frequencies are affected by changes you make.
Best FL Studio Stock Plugins:
Plugin Name | Description |
Sytrus | A versatile software synthesizer for creating various sounds, from pads to basslines and leads. |
Harmor | An advanced additive/subtractive synthesizer with powerful resynthesis capabilities. |
FLEX | A wavetable synthesizer that can create a wide variety of sounds, from basses and leads to pads and effects. |
Gross Beat | Real-time time manipulation and glitch effects plugin. |
Maximus | A multi-band dynamics processor for mastering and enhancing the dynamics of your tracks. |
Sakura | A physical modeling string instrument plugin with realistic sound and expressive capabilities. |
Fruity Reverb | A versatile reverb plugin for adding depth and ambiance to your audio. |
Parametric EQ 2 | A flexible equalizer plugin with multiple bands and a visual display for precise sound shaping. |
Edison | A comprehensive audio editor and recorder for editing and manipulating audio within your projects. |
Patcher | A modular environment for creating custom instrument and effects chains. |
With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plugins to help you create your own unique sound.
FL Studio Stock Plugins For Beginners
FL Studio stock plugins are beginner-friendly due to the easy interface and overall design. The interface is simple and straightforward, and the controls are easy to understand.
This makes it easy for beginners to get started making music with FL Studio.
Some of the more advanced VSTs can be more difficult to use. These plugins may have more features and options.
This can make them more challenging to learn. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to start with the simpler plugins.
You’ll eventually get to a level where using advanced VSTs such as Omnisphere VST is a breeze.
You can then work your way up to the more advanced VSTs as your production skills improve. It will also give you more confidence when you move on to third-party plugins.
A lot of beginners find the included presets in the stock plugins really useful when starting out. They get you started quickly and make learning sound synthesis that much quicker.
The controls on the various stock VSTs also make it easier for beginners to experiment. Playing around with the controls can get you your own unique sound.
With that said, as a popular DAW, FL Studio has a lot of learning resources available for beginners. Tutorials and videos are a great way to accelerate the learning phase.
Choosing A Daw Based On Its Stock Plugins
It would not be a good idea to choose a DAW based on its stock plugins. However, if you’re a beginner, easier stock VSTs might shorten the learning curve.
Best Daws For Beginners With Great Stock Plugins:
There are many factors to consider when on the market for new music software. You have to look into the price, features, and workflow.
One factor that often gets overlooked is the quality of the stock plugins that come with the DAW.
Stock VSTs are the built-in instruments and effects that come with a DAW. They can be a great way to get started making music.
They offer sounds and features without spending extra money on third-party VSTs.
So, should you choose a DAW based on its stock plugins?
Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re a beginner, stock plugins can be a great way to get started without spending a lot of money.
Even if you’re an experienced producer, stock VSTs can be useful for adding variety to your sounds.
If you’re looking for the absolute best possible sound quality, you may want to consider a DAW that offers a wider range of third-party plugin support.
This is because third-party VSTs are often created by experienced audio engineers who have spent years perfecting their craft.
As a result, they can offer a higher level of detail and realism than stock plugins.
The decision of whether to choose a DAW based on its stock VSTs is a personal one. The best way to decide is to try a few different DAWs and see which one you like best.
Mixing & Mastering With FL Studio Stock Plugins
FL Studio comes with a wide range of stock plugins that can be used for mastering. These plugins can be used to create a wide variety of sounds, and they can also be used for mastering.
Mastering is the final step in the music production process. It’s the process of polishing and refining a track so it sounds its best.
Tips for mastering with FL Studio stock plugins:
- Start with a good mix: A good mix is essential for a good master. Make sure that your levels are balanced and that your frequencies are well-distributed.
- Use reference tracks: Reference tracks are songs that you like the sound of. Use them to compare your master to other songs in the same genre. This will help you to identify any areas that need improvement.
- Don’t overdo it: It is easy to get carried away with mastering. Remember that the goal is to make your track sound better, not to change it completely.
- Take breaks: Mastering can be a fatiguing process. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to listen to your master with fresh ears.
Mastering can involve tasks such as adjusting the levels and adding compression. It also involves limiting and balancing the frequencies.
FL Studio 21’s stock VSTs can be used for all these tasks. For example, the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 can be used to adjust the levels of different frequencies.
The Fruity Limiter can add compression and limiting, and the Fruity Multiband Compressor is used to balance the frequencies.
So, can you master your songs with FL Studio stock plugins?
The answer is yes.
FL Studio’s stock VSTs are powerful and versatile, and they can be used to create a professional-sounding master.
VSTs can offer more features and flexibility. But if you are serious about mastering, you may want to consider investing in some third-party plugins.
Using FL Studio Stock Plugins In Other Daws
FL Studio stocks plugins cannot be used in other DAWs such as Ableton Live or Pro Tools. The stock VST plugins in FL Studio can only be used within the FL Studio interface.
Some methods can be used to enable FL’s stock VSTs to be used inside other DAWs.
One method is using ReWire to use FL Studio as a plugin inside another DAW. This will enable you to use FL’s stock plugins with another DAW.
Another method is to convert FL Studio stock plugins to VST or VSTi format. This is done by using a third-party plugin converter.
Another way is to use the built-in plugin converter in FL Studio.
Once you have converted FL Studio stock plugins to VST or VSTi format, you can add them to your other DAWs.
To do this, simply drag and drop the plugins into the plugin window of your DAW.
FL Studio 21 stock plugins are a great way to add new sounds and effects to your music. And because they can be converted to VST or VSTi format, you can use them in any DAW.
Benefits of using FL Studio stock VSTs in other DAWs:
- Save money
- Access a wider range of sounds
- Get the most out of your DAW
You should consider using FL Studio stock VSTs in other DAWs. It will add new sounds and effects to your music and elevate creativity.
They are a great way to save money, access a wider range of sounds, and get the most out of your DAW.
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FAQs
Can I Be A Great Producer With Built-In FL Studio 21 VSTs?
Yes, you can become a great producer using only FL Studio stock plugins. Many professional producers started out with FL Studio and still use it to create professional-grade music.
What Are The Best FL Studio Stock Plugins?
FLEX, Maximus, Gross Beat, Parametric EQ2, Fruity Reverb, and Sytrus are the go-to stock plugins for FL Studio users. Certain plugins have certain use cases.
Do You Need To Buy Plugins To Make Decent Music?
No, you do not need to buy plugins to make decent music. Many DAWs come with stock plugins that are capable of creating professional-sounding music.
Can Stock Plugins Make A Professional Song?
Yes, stock plugins can make a professional song if the right mixing and mastering techniques are used. With a little practice, you can make use of stock plugins to make a professional song.