Midi controllers are an important tool when producing music in Fruity Loops Studio. I highly recommend investing in one – It will definitely allow you to express your music more easily and fully, and will also allow you to work more efficiently.
Where to Get Midi Keyboards
Just about every music store will have various midi keyboard keyboards available. Also, you may already have a keyboard that is midi compatible and not even realize it. I had a keyboard for like 2 years of my life (it was just sitting around) and when I got into music production I found out that I could hook it up to my FL Studio and use it. Here are some of the more popular midi controllers:
M-Audio Axiom 61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller
Akai MPK49 Keyboard USB MIDI Controller
E-MU Xboard 49 USB/MIDI Controller
M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller
These are only a few, you can find more at places such as: Musician’s Friend
,Instrumentpro.com, and zZounds
How to Setup a Midi Controller
Most of the time, you will get instructions with the controller you buy. You will just need to install some drivers, and connect the controller (usually through a Midi to USB)
If you have a keyboard that does not have its own midi to usb cable, you will need to purchase one. For my first keyboard, I used
CME U2MIDI USB Cable-Like MIDI Interface
It’s pretty simple to setup – it came with a CD and all I had to do was install some drivers.
How to Setup a Midi Controller in FL Studio
Once you have your drivers installed, make sure your controller is plugged in, and open up FL Studio. Then go to “Options” and click “Midi Settings” (or just hit F10).
You should see your controller listed under “Output” and under “Input”. Click on the listed midi controller on your output and click “Send master sync”. Also click on the listed midi controller under input and click “Enable”.
If you don’t see your midi controller listed anywhere, click “Rescan MIDI devices”, and it should show up. If it does not, make sure you have installed the drivers correctly, and that you have plugged in your controller correctly as well.
Once you have your controller enabled, load up some sounds and hit some keys. If you hear something then you’re good to go, now make some music!
