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Inspiration Lab - Creating Digital Music with FL Studio

Getting Started with FL Studio 21

FL Studio is a music production DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

FL Studio is capable of multi-track audio recording, sequencing and mixing for the creation of professional quality music tracks.

FL Studio has been used by artists, hip hop, EDM and music producers such as Alan Walker, Soulja Boy, Avicii, and Deadmau5.

With FL Studio, you can:

  • make beats and drum tracks
  • create any genre of music from scratch (hip hop, EDM, Lo-fi, Rock, Classical etc.)
  • Use step sequencers and a best in class Piano Roll
  • create MIDI recordings with a MIDI keyboard or drum pad controller
  • edit, mix and add effects to audio
  • make multi-track audio recordings for bands or podcasts
  • master and export songs, podcasts or any other audio projects

FL Studio is a paid software, but is available for free use at VPL's Inspiration Lab on our Creation Stations!

FL Studio integrates with our MIDI keyboards and drum pad controller which are also available for free use in the Inspiration Lab!

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FL Studio in the Inspiration Lab

The Inspiration Lab is a space dedicated to digital creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. We are located on Level 3 at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library

The Inspiration Lab features a high-performance computer lab with free access to FL Studio, and other professional software for:

  • audio editing
  • video editing
  • image editing
  • graphic design
  • 3D animation
  • self-publishing

Studio headphones available on request.

We also have analog-to-digital conversion stations for various forms of older media.

All of our services are free with your library card!

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Inspiration Lab Gallery

MIDI Controllers in the Inspiration Lab

Ask staff about using one of the following MIDI controllers in the Inspiration Lab:

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard
 

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MIDI keyboard in the Inspiration Lab

AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Drum Pad controller
 

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Drum Pad in the Inspiration Lab

 

Here are the instructions for set-up.

Inspiration Lab Booking

The Inspiration Lab is open during regular Central library hours.

Reserve a recording studio or drop in to use a computer workstation. If this will be your first time booking or you need a refresher on the process, review our booking instructions.

Recommended Titles

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Cover Image for Essential Guide to Songwriting, Producing & Recording

Essential Guide to Songwriting, Producing & Recording

Swann, Darryl

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Cover Image for Mixing Music

Mixing Music

Miller, Michael

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Cover Image for Modern Recording Techniques

Modern Recording Techniques

Huber, David Miles

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Cover Image for Music Production Methods: a Concise Guide for Understanding Your Role, Process, and Order

Music Production Methods: a Concise Guide for Understanding Your Role, Process, and Order

Bess, Josh

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Cover Image for The Singer-songwriter's Guide to Recording in the Home Studio

The Singer-songwriter's Guide to Recording in the Home Studio

Adams, Shane

Useful Websites

Useful Website Description

The Official FL Studio Manual

Digital Library Resources

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New to LinkedIn Learning? View a video tutorial or visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

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Trial update: This resource will continue to be offered on a trial basis through December 2024.


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