Specifically for beginner and intermediate producers, let’s talk about how to export in FL Studio and how to export in Edison. Which way is the best, when do you want to use which and of course how do you do it? Let’s jump right in.
A while ago, I’ve posted a video about making a hardstyle kick tail. However, I didn’t show how to export the kick correctly, as someone in the comments section pointed out.
Hopefully I’ve spelled your name correctly, DJ PB Gurjar, but thank you for suggesting this topic. If you also have a suggestion, don’t hesitate and just drop it down below. I try to read every single comment.
2 Must-know methods to export in FL Studio
Now, let’s talk about 2 of the most common ways to export your sound in FL Studio, whether it’s a kick, a lead, a snare, or even an entire song, doesn’t matter.
Sorry for bursting the bubble this early, but there is no single best way for exporting. It simply depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I know it can be confusing, that’s why I will explain when and how to use each. So, make sure to read everything until the end.
METHOD 1: Export in FL Studio
The first method is simply exporting your project to a wave file via FL Studio. You can easily use this method when you want to export your project exactly how it is, whether it’s a song, snippet or just a sound. So, if you don’t want to make any modifications, you can simply use FL Studio’s export function.
Many of you already know how that works, but stay with me for a minute, else you will miss the other strategy that you came here for. But for those of you who don’t know, here’s how to export in FL Studio.
STEP 1: Select what you want to export
Before you export anything, make sure to select the part you wish to export. That is, only if you want to export a part of your project. So for example, if you have a sound on the Playlist, select the sound first by right-clicking and dragging. This way you can highlight the part you want to render. Thereby, also select the “Song” mode in FL Studio, so it knows you want to export something from the Playlist.
However, if you want to export a sound from a Pattern, just select the correct Pattern first, for example Pattern 1. Thereby, select “Pattern” (Pat) mode in FL Studio, so it knows you want to export something from the Channel Rack.
STEP 2: Export in FL Studio
When you have selected a clip from the Playlist or a sound from the Channel Rack, you can export it by clicking “File” in the FL Studio menu, select “Export” and click “Wave file…”. A window will pop up, so you can locate where to store the file on your hard drive. Just select your preferred folder and click “Save”.
STEP 3: Export settings
Another window will appear with all the rendering options. The main one to focus on is the output format. Make sure it says “WAV”. If that’s the case, move on by selecting your preferred bit depth. For example, 16 bits. Also, you may want to check the “Quality” tab and set the Resampling option to a high value. For example, 512-point-sinc. However, I doubt you will hear that much of a difference.
All set just press “Start” and your project will be rendered to a wave file and stored on your hard drive.
And that’s actually it as far this method goes. If you’re not a beginner, you already knew about this. But if you’re new to FL Studio, the best place to start is with the FL Studio Beginner’s Guide. Many people have already read it, but if you don’t, just click the link. I highly recommend following it.
METHOD 2: Record & export with Edison
Now, the second method is slightly more advanced, as it involves recording via Edison, but still a piece of cake. You can use the Edison method when you want to make some modifications before you save your sample. So, if you want to edit your sound before saving, simply go with Edison. But how does that work? Let me show you.
STEP 1: Open Edison
- First, open Edison by clicking “View” in the FL Studio menu and select “Mixer”.
- On the Mixer, select any of the tracks, for example the Master.
- Then, click on an empty slot and select Edison from the list of effects.
STEP 2: Record your sound
Edison will show up and now it’s time to record your sound. To do that, press the “Record” button in Edison, but press the “Play” knob in FL Studio. Edison will now record your clip. But once you have what you need, press the “Stop” button in Edison. This will leave you with a rough recording of your project.
Now, the power of Edison comes into play with all the different ways you can edit your recording. Though, I’m not going to explain all the different options Edison provides, there are just too many, but I will simply show you a few essential ones that I use when I record my samples this way.
STEP 3: Edit your recording
So, let’s say you have recorded a hardstyle kick for example and you want to export it correctly. Let me share 3 effective tips you can use to create a perfect sample.
- Delete everything left and right to clean up the recording. So, the exact sample is visible with no empty spaces. This will make your sample start and end directly. Just select the empty parts by clicking and dragging, and press “Delete” to remove them. If you want to be scientific about it, zoom in deeply to be perfect.
- Normalize the recording. This will give your sample maximum loudness. Simply click the “Wrench” icon and click “Normalize”. That should do the trick.
- Optionally, create a fade in and/or fade out. These fades can give your sample a natural attack or release time. However, doing this depends hugely on the type of recording or the effect your wish to accomplish. But still, let me show it. Just select a part of your recording, click the “Wrench” icon, and click on either “Fade in” or “Fade out”. Personally, I use a fade out of about 200 milliseconds or so for hardstyle kicks.
STEP 4: Export your recording
Feel free to explore all the other options Edison has to offer, because they’re awesome, but for now, let’s say the sample is ready for export. This is how you can save it.
- Select the “Save” icon (floppy disk) in Edison and click “Save sample as…”
- A window will pop up where you can select the right folder on your hard drive. When you have selected the right location, click “Save”. Your cleaned-up recording has now been saved as a tight sample.
And that’s that. Your sample is now ready for use.
When to export in FL Studio or Edison?
So in summary, export via Edison if you want to modify your sound before saving. Export via FL Studio if you want to render your sound or song as is.
That should answer the question and if you have more topics you want me to cover, just comment down below. I try to read every single comment, so don’t hold back.
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