How to record external audio

Learn to record external audio in FL Studio, from vocal takes to instruments, with proper setup and optimal routing for clean recordings.

Recording & Audio · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Configure Audio Settings

    Go to 'Options > Audio settings' (F10). Under the 'Input / output' section, ensure your audio interface is selected as the 'Device' and that your microphone or instrument input is enabled.

  2. Create an Audio Track

    Open the Mixer (F9). Select an empty insert track and change its 'Input' drop-down menu (located at the top of the Mixer track) to your desired audio input channel (e.g., 'Input 1', 'Input 1 & 2', etc.).

  3. Enable Disk Recording

    Arm the Mixer track for recording by clicking the small record button at the bottom of the chosen Mixer track. This will turn red, indicating it's ready to record. Press 'R' to toggle recording on the track.

  4. Start Recording

    In the Transport Panel at the top of FL Studio, ensure 'Record' is enabled (it should be red). Press the main 'Record' button in the transport, or the spacebar (if 'start/stop' is configured for recording), to begin capturing audio. Press spacebar again to stop.

  5. Arrange and Edit Recording

    Your recorded audio will appear as an Audio Clip in the Playlist (F5). You can then drag, trim, loop, and edit this clip like any other audio sample, adding effects via the Mixer track.

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