In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll find out how to create an old-school Showtek hardstyle lead using FL Studio. Let’s dive in!
The original Showtek hardstyle lead tutorial
If you’ve been following Screech House since the early days, you might remember one of my first videos where I recreated a powerful, beefed-up Showtek hardstyle lead. That exact project is featured in the embedded video above.
Free FLP download: Showtek hardstyle lead
Back in that original video, I promised to release a complete tutorial along with the FLP file once the channel hit 5,000 subscribers. Some said it wasn’t realistic. But look at us now. Thanks to your support, we’ve passed that milestone!
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Thank you!
Before we dive into the full tutorial, I just want to say thank you. Reaching 5,000+ subscribers is a huge accomplishment, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
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Now, let’s get started with building a Showtek hardstyle lead in FL Studio. Read all the way through and download the full project for free!
What you need for the Showtek hardstyle lead
To follow this tutorial, you’ll need Synth1, a free synthesizer. Download Synth1 here. While you’re at it, also download my Free Hardstyle Sample Pack.
After downloading, install Synth1 in your VST plugins folder. If you’re not sure, here’s how to install VST plugins.
Once installed, open Synth1 in your DAW, and let’s get started.
Building the Showtek hardstyle lead (step-by-step)
This project includes two types of leads:
- One lead for the main melody with that signature Showtek tone.
- Another lead for a chord progression added later for extra body.
For this tutorial, we’ll focus on the main Showtek hardstyle lead. You can hear it in the video, and we’ll rebuild it from scratch using Synth1. Open it, and let’s get started.
1. Oscillators
Sound design usually starts with oscillators, which generate your base tone.
- Go to the oscillator section and select a saw wave for Oscillator 1.
- Set the detune for Oscillator 1 to about 60%.
- Set the mix level to 100:0 (turn the knob fully left). This disables Oscillator 2, leaving only Oscillator 1 active.
A single detuned saw wave already gives that classic, rich hardstyle character.
2. Amplifier
Next, shape the volume envelope using the amplifier section.
If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, I recommend starting with my guide: Sound Design for Beginners (self-affiliated). It gives you complete control over synthesizers, so you can focus on crafting iconic sounds.
When you’re ready, configure the amplifier like this:
- Attack: closed (0%)
- Decay: open
- Sustain: open
- Release: around 50%
- Gain: 100%
- Velocity: 0%
These settings give the sound a tight start with a smoother tail. Perfect for melodic leads.
3. Filter
Now let’s fine-tune the tone using the filter section:
- Attack: closed
- Decay, Sustain, Release: open
- Amount: 0%
- Filter Type: LP12 (12 dB low-pass filter)
- Frequency: completely open
- Resonance: completely closed
Keeping the frequency open and resonance closed preserves the full body of the saw wave.
4. Tempo/Delay
This effect is not needed for our base lead, so let’s disable it:
- Go to the Tempo/Delay section
- Turn the ON button off
Removing delay here gives us a clean base to process later in the mixer.
5. Chorus/Flanger
This is where the Showtek-style character starts to shine.
- Enable the Chorus/Flanger effect
- Set it to x4 (4 voices)
- Time: ~15-20 ms
- Depth: 100%
- Rate: 1.5-2 Hz
- Level: around 100%
These settings create that deep, detuned vibration typical of old-school hardstyle leads.
6. Voices
Let’s finish shaping the sound by configuring the voice settings:
- Voice Mode: Poly
- Number of Voices: 32 (maximum)
- Unison: Enabled
- Portamento: ~15-20%
- Unison Voices: 8
- Detune, Phase, Spread: Fully open
- Optional, set pitch to -12 for a thicker low layer
More voices = more power. Don’t be afraid to go big if your system can handle it.
You now have a fully formed, powerful Showtek hardstyle lead made in FL Studio with Synth1!
Feel free to customize it to match your own style. But if you don’t know where to begin, again; start with the basics from Sound Design for Beginners (affiliated by me).
7. Mixer effects
Once you’re satisfied with the sound, route Synth1 to a free mixer track (e.g., Track 1) and apply some processing. Therefore:
- Open the mixer.
- Select the lead’s track (e.g., Track 1).
- Add effects like an equalizer, reverb, and/or delay.
Equalizer
In the FLP file, I used EQ to:
- Cut low frequencies to make room for the kick.
- Boost highs slightly for clarity.
I cannot give you a step-by-step guide for this. Every track is different, so adjust to fit your mix.
Reverb & Delay
The same goes for reverb and delay; go by ear and taste to strike the right balance. But definitely add these for space and movement:
- More reverb/delay = more atmospheric and bigger sound.
- Less reverb/delay = tighter, drier sound.
After that, your Showtek lead is basically done. It should sound like what you heard in the video intro.
Bonus: How to make a melody with your Showtek hardstyle lead
Check out the Piano Roll in the project. The melody uses a simple but catchy pattern, common in early hardstyle.
- Scale: A# minor. Stay true to your chosen musical scale. Use my free Scale Finder tool.
- Root note: A#. A# notes have been used repeatedly.
- Rhythm: Avoid rigid placements (e.g., only on the beat). Make it bouncy and playful.
Melodies don’t need to be complex. Simplicity often works best in early hardstyle.
If you want to create melodies like that, follow The Ultimate Melody Guide (self-affiliated) and make memorable tunes in no time.
Bonus: Add chords for extra power
To fatten up the lead, I also added a chord layer. Chords can add power and give a modern touch. In the end, you decide if they need to be part of your project as well.
However, chords go beyond today’s scope. So download the FLP to study them, and use my free chord finder tool to play the right notes.
Download the Free Showtek Hardstyle Lead (FLP)
Want the full project? Click the link below to download the free FLP file, complete with Synth1 presets and effects.
You’ll land on a new page where you can download the project directly.
Final thoughts
If this tutorial helped you, please share it and help us reach 10,000+ subscribers. We might actually pull it off.
Don’t forget! Start mastering your music with:
✓ Sound Design for Beginners
✓ The Ultimate Melody Guide
(Both are self-affiliated resources)
Take action now. Your sound deserves it.