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!
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!
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
AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Drum Pad controller
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
Essential Guide to Songwriting, Producing & Recording
Written by Darryl Swann, an instructor at several major music schools, this book shares knowledge about songwriting, producing and recording in plain language.
Mixing Music
Part of the Idiot's Guides series, this book presents useful principles and techniques to use when mixing music, from the elements of a mix and how to build one, to the rules of arrangement, and the secrets of equalization and frequencies.
Modern Recording Techniques
Recognized by experts as the authoritative guide to sound and music recording. Modern Recording Techniques provides an in-depth read on the art and technologies of music production. It includes an in-depth coverage of the DAW, networked audio, MIDI, signal processing and much more.
Music Production Methods: a Concise Guide for Understanding Your Role, Process, and Order
In this practical and highly accessible guide, Josh Bess breaks music production down into core concepts, approaches, and methods essential to any piece of recorded music, regardless of genre and style of music.
The Singer-songwriter's Guide to Recording in the Home Studio
This guide will enable you to record high quality songs in your own home studio, regardless of budget, living arrangement, or technological aptitude.
