How do you use the mixer track solo, mute, and arm functions to isolate and record your tracks in FL Studio?

1 Solo function

The solo function allows you to hear only one or more tracks in the mixer, while muting the rest. This is useful when you want to focus on a specific element of your song, such as a vocal, a bass, or a drum loop. To solo a track, simply click on the green LED button above the fader of the track you want to hear. You can solo multiple tracks by holding the Ctrl key and clicking on the buttons. To unsolo a track, click on the button again. To unsolo all tracks, right-click on any solo button and select Unsolo all.

2 Mute function

The mute function allows you to silence one or more tracks in the mixer, without affecting their volume or effects settings. This is useful when you want to remove a track from the mix temporarily, or when you want to create a drop or a transition. To mute a track, simply click on the yellow LED button below the fader of the track you want to mute. You can mute multiple tracks by holding the Ctrl key and clicking on the buttons. To unmute a track, click on the button again. To unmute all tracks, right-click on any mute button and select Unmute all.

3 Arm function

The arm function allows you to record audio or MIDI data from one or more tracks in the mixer, while disabling the recording from the rest. This is useful when you want to capture a live performance, a vocal take, or a MIDI keyboard input. To arm a track, simply click on the red LED button next to the track name. You can arm multiple tracks by holding the Ctrl key and clicking on the buttons. To disarm a track, click on the button again. To disarm all tracks, right-click on any arm button and select Disarm all.

4 Recording tracks

Once you have armed the tracks you want to record, you need to set the input source and the output destination for each track. To do this, click on the arrow icon next to the track name and select the input and output options from the drop-down menus. You can choose from different audio and MIDI devices, as well as internal sources and generators. To start recording, press the record button on the transport panel and then press the play button. To stop recording, press the stop button or the spacebar. The recorded data will appear as a clip in the playlist, where you can edit it further.

5 Editing tracks

After recording your tracks, you may want to edit them to improve their sound quality, timing, or arrangement. To do this, you can use the tools and options available in the playlist, the piano roll, and the mixer itself. For example, you can trim, cut, copy, paste, move, stretch, or reverse your clips in the playlist. You can also edit the notes, velocities, and automation data in the piano roll. And you can adjust the volume, pan, effects, and routing of your tracks in the mixer. To access these features, right-click on the clip or the track and select the appropriate option from the menu.

6 Mixing tips

Finally, here are some tips to help you achieve a balanced and polished mix in FL Studio. First, use the solo and mute functions to compare and contrast your tracks and identify any problems or conflicts. Second, use the faders and the pan knobs to set the levels and the stereo position of your tracks. Third, use the effects slots and the send knobs to add compression, EQ, reverb, delay, or other effects to your tracks. Fourth, use the routing buttons and the sidechain option to create subgroups, parallel processing, or dynamic modulation between your tracks. And fifth, use the master track and the limiter to control the overall volume and loudness of your mix.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?