Separating Piano and Drums in FL Studio 20: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Make the Piano Roll Play Separately from the Drums in FL Studio 20

Fl Studio 20 is a powerful digital audio workstation that allows you to create complex and intricate audio compositions. One of the advanced features that many producers overlook is the ability to separate the piano roll from the drums, making it easier to work on both elements independently. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve this separation in FL Studio 20.

Step-by-Step Guide to Separating Piano and Drums in FL Studio 20

The process of separating the piano roll from the drums in FL Studio 20 involves routing your instruments to different mixer channels. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

Step 1: Assign Instruments to Mixer Channels

Assigning instruments to mixer channels: Open the Channel Rack. Click on the Channel Rack button or press F6.

Select an Instrument: Click on the instrument you want to route, such as your piano sound. Assign to Mixer Channel: In the Channel Rack, locate the small box on the right side of the instrument’s channel strip. Click on it and drag it up or down to assign the instrument to a specific mixer channel, such as channel 1.

Repeat these steps for your drum sounds and assign them to a different mixer channel, such as channel 2.

Step 2: Open the Piano Roll

To open the piano roll for your piano sound:

Right-click on the instrument in the Channel Rack. Select Create Your Melody. Input the notes you want to play for the piano.

Step 3: Open the Drum Pattern

To open the drum pattern for your drum sounds:

Select the drum instrument in the Channel Rack. Open its Piano Roll if you want to edit it. Create your drum pattern by inputting your drum notes.

Step 4: Adjust Mixer Settings

To control the volume and effects for each instrument:

Press F9 to open the Mixer. Select the corresponding mixer channel for your instrument and make adjustments.

You can adjust the volume levels and apply effects separately for each instrument by selecting the corresponding mixer channel.

Step 5: Playback

When you hit play, you should hear the piano and drums playing separately through their assigned mixer channels. You can mute or adjust the volume of either channel as needed.

Additional Tips for Better Control

Here are some additional tips to further enhance your control over the piano and drums:

Use Patterns

Create separate patterns for your piano and drums in the Playlist: This allows you to control when each plays, giving you more flexibility in your composition.

Automation

Consider using automation clips for volume or effects: This can create dynamic changes in your mix, making your tracks more engaging and professional.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and play your piano and drum sounds separately within FL Studio 20. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced producer, separating the piano roll from the drums can significantly enhance your workflow and overall production quality.

To drive these points home, let's break down the key benefits of separating the piano roll from the drums:

Enhanced Flexibility: Editing the piano and drums independently allows for more precise control over your composition. Improved Workflow: Managing each instrument separately can speed up your production process and reduce creative friction. Better Sound Mixing: Independent control over the volume and effects of each instrument helps in achieving a more balanced and polished sound mix.

By mastering the art of separating the piano roll from the drums in FL Studio 20, you can take your music production to the next level and create more complex, dynamic, and professionally crafted tracks.