How to use Gross Beat

Manipulate audio in real-time with Gross Beat in FL Studio. Discover gating, scratching, stuttering, and volume effects for creative sounds.

MIDI & Instruments · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Load Gross Beat

    Open the Mixer (F9) and select an insert slot on the desired audio track. Click the arrow, then 'Select effect' and choose 'Gross Beat' from the list of plugins. Usually, you'd place it as the last effect.

  2. Select Presets

    Gross Beat comes with a wide range of factory presets. Use the preset browser at the top of the plugin to quickly audition different time and volume envelopes like 'Gated', 'Stutter', or 'Vinyl' effects.

  3. Understand Time and Volume Sections

    The plugin is divided into 'Volume' and 'Time' sections, each with an envelope editor. The X-axis represents 2 beats (or higher, depending on the multiplier), and the Y-axis controls volume or playback position.

  4. Customize Envelopes

    Click and drag on the envelope lines to add and move points, shaping the volume and time behavior. For example, creating sharp drops in the 'Time' envelope can produce scratching effects, while steps in 'Volume' create gating.

  5. Automate Patterns

    Utilize the pattern selector at the bottom of Gross Beat to load multiple custom envelopes. Right-click on the pattern selector and select 'Create automation clip' to switch between these patterns in your Playlist (F5) for dynamic effects.

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