FL Studio Workflow Mastery Part 3: Mixing, Mastering & Export

Welcome to the final installment of the FL Studio Workflow Mastery series! In Part 1, we covered project setup. In Part 2, we mastered sound design. Now let's complete the journey with professional mixing, mastering, and export workflows.

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The Mixing Mindset

Mixing vs. Producing

Production is about creativity—choosing sounds, writing melodies, arranging sections.

Mixing is about clarity—making everything heard, creating space, balancing levels.

Key insight: The best mix decisions happen during production. Choose sounds that work together from the start.

The Mixing Workflow Order

Follow this order for consistent results:

1. Gain Staging (levels)
2. Editing (arrangement, timing)
3. Static Mix (balance without effects)
4. Subtractive EQ (clean up)
5. Compression (control dynamics)
6. Additive EQ (enhance)
7. Spatial Effects (reverb, delay)
8. Automation (movement)
9. Final Polish

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Step 1: Gain Staging

Why Gain Staging Matters

Proper gain staging:

• Prevents clipping
• Allows plugins to work optimally
• Creates headroom for mixing
• Ensures consistent levels

The -18dB Rule

Aim for:

• Individual channels: Peak around -18dB to -12dB
• Master channel: Peak around -6dB to -3dB
• No channel should hit 0dB

In FL Studio:

• Use the meter on each mixer channel
• Watch the peak hold indicator
• Adjust channel faders, not plugin output gains

Practical Gain Staging

Method 1: Channel by channel

1. Solo each channel
2. Play the loudest part
3. Adjust fader so peak is -18dB
4. Unsolo, check in context

Method 2: The pink noise method

1. Play pink noise at -18dB
2. Unsolo each channel one by one
3. Adjust until just audible under pink noise
4. Provides rough balance starting point

Method 3: Start low, bring up

1. Set all faders to -infinity
2. Start with most important element (usually kick)
3. Bring up next element to appropriate level
4. Continue until everything is balanced

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Step 2: The Static Mix

What is a Static Mix?

A static mix is your balance without any effects:

• No EQ
• No compression
• No reverb
• Just volume faders and pan knobs

Why Start Static?

Benefits:

• Hear what's really there
• Fix arrangement issues early
• Make better processing decisions later
• Faster workflow

Static Mix Workflow

1. Start with the foundation:

• Drums (kick, snare, hats)
• Bass
• These need to be solid before adding anything

2. Add rhythmic elements:

• Percussion
• Rhythmic synths
• Support the groove

3. Add harmonic elements:

• Chords/pads
• Lead melodies
• Fill out the spectrum

4. Add vocals (if any):

• Lead vocal on top
• Backing vocals supporting

5. Add FX:

• Impacts
• Risers
• Atmosphere

Panning Strategy

Center (mono):

• Kick drum
• Snare
• Bass
• Lead vocal
• Main lead synth

Slight width (10-30%):

• Hi-hats
• Percussion
• Rhythm guitars

Medium width (30-60%):

• Backing vocals
• Synth layers
• Pads

Full width:

• Background textures
• Stereo effects
• Wide pads

FL Studio pan knob:

• Right-click → "Reset" for center
• Hold Ctrl for fine adjustment
• Double-click to type value

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Step 3: Subtractive EQ (Cleaning Up)

The Goal of Subtractive EQ

Remove frequencies that:

• Cause muddiness
• Create harshness
• Conflict with other elements
• Don't contribute to the sound

The High-Pass Filter Rule

Apply high-pass to everything except:

• Kick drum
• Bass
• Low synths

Settings:

• Kick: No HPF (or 20-30Hz)
• Bass: 30-50Hz
• Synths: 80-120Hz
• Vocals: 80-100Hz
• Hihats: 300-500Hz

In Fruity Parametric EQ 2:

1. Enable HP (high-pass) filter
2. Set slope (12dB or 24dB per octave)
3. Adjust frequency

Frequency Slotting

Give each instrument its space:

Common EQ Moves

Kick drum:

• Boost 60Hz for sub power
• Cut 300Hz for clarity
• Boost 3-5kHz for click/attack
• Cut 8kHz+ if too harsh

Snare:

• Boost 200Hz for body
• Cut 400Hz for boxiness
• Boost 5kHz for snap
• High-pass at 100Hz

Bass:

• Boost 60-80Hz for sub
• Cut 200-300Hz for clarity
• Boost 1-3kHz for presence
• Consider multiband compression

Vocals:

• High-pass at 80-100Hz
• Cut 200-400Hz for muddiness
• Boost 3-5kHz for presence
• De-ess at 5-8kHz

Synths:

• High-pass at 100-200Hz
• Cut competing frequencies
• Boost character frequencies
• Roll off harsh highs

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Step 4: Compression

Compression Goals

Use compression to:

• Control dynamics (even out levels)
• Add punch (emphasize transients)
• Glue elements together (bus compression)
• Shape tone (different character types)

Compression Settings Guide

Drums (Fruity Limiter):

Threshold: -12dB to -6dB
Ratio: 4:1 to 8:1
Attack: 1-10ms (let transients through)
Release: 50-100ms (fast, snappy)
Gain: Compensate for reduction

Bass (Fruity Limiter):

Threshold: -12dB to -8dB
Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
Attack: 5-15ms
Release: 50-150ms
Gain: Match input level

Vocals (Fruity Compressor or Limiter):

Threshold: -18dB to -12dB
Ratio: 3:1 to 6:1
Attack: 5-15ms (let consonants through)
Release: 40-80ms
Gain: Make up 3-6dB reduction

Busses (Maximus or Limiter):

Threshold: -18dB to -12dB
Ratio: 2:1 to 4:1
Attack: 10-30ms
Release: Auto or 100-300ms
Goal: 1-3dB reduction (glue)

Sidechain Compression

Kick → Bass (classic workflow):

Method 1: Fruity Limiter Sidechain

1. On bass channel, open Fruity Limiter
2. Sidechain tab
3. Select kick channel from dropdown
4. Adjust threshold and ratio

Settings:

Threshold: -20dB to -10dB
Ratio: 4:1 to 10:1
Attack: 0.1ms (fast)
Release: 100-200ms (creates pump)
Knee: 6dB (smooth)

Method 2: Gross Beat (creative sidechain)

1. Add Gross Beat to bass channel
2. Sidechain from kick
3. Use volume automation pattern
4. More control over shape

Parallel Compression

For punch without squash:

1. Route channel to two mixer channels
2. Channel A: Dry (no compression)
3. Channel B: Heavily compressed
4. Blend to taste

Or use plugin mix knob:

• Fruity Limiter has "Mix" control
• 50% = equal dry/compressed
• 100% = fully compressed

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Step 5: Additive EQ (Enhancement)

When to Add vs. Subtract

Subtract first, then add:

1. Clean up with subtractive EQ
2. Compress to control dynamics
3. Add EQ to enhance character

Additive EQ philosophy:

• Boost what makes the sound special
• Enhance clarity and presence
• Add sparkle and air

Strategic Boosts

Low-end warmth:

• +2-3dB at 100-200Hz on bass
• Use wide Q (low slope)

Vocal presence:

• +2-4dB at 3-5kHz
• Narrow Q, find the sweet spot

High-end air:

• +1-2dB at 10-15kHz
• High-shelf, wide Q

Synth character:

• Find the "magic frequency"
• Boost 2-4dB
• Sweep to find sweet spot

EQ Plugin Order

Typical chain:

Channel → EQ (subtractive) → Compression → EQ (additive) → Effects

Alternative:

Channel → Compression → EQ → More compression → Effects

The key: There are no rules, only results. Experiment!

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Step 6: Spatial Effects (Reverb & Delay)

Reverb Strategy

Don't put reverb on everything!

Use reverb for:

• Creating space and depth
• Glueing elements together
• Adding atmosphere
• Making digital sounds natural

Send vs. Insert:

Sends (recommended):

• One reverb plugin, multiple sources
• Consistent space
• Easier to control
• Less CPU usage

Inserts:

• Unique reverb per channel
• Special effects
• Creative processing

Setting up sends in FL Studio:

1. Add reverb to mixer channel 29-32
2. On source channel, turn up send knob
3. Keep source channel fader up
4. Adjust send level for amount

Reverb Types and Uses

Short/Room (0.5-1.5s):

• Drums (adds space without wash)
• Percussion
• Creating "room" sound

Medium/Hall (1.5-3s):

• Vocals
• Lead instruments
• General purpose

Long/Ambient (3s+):

• Pads
• Atmospheric elements
• Special effects

Pre-delay:

• 0-20ms: Intimate, close
• 20-40ms: Natural space
• 40ms+: Distinct separation

Delay Techniques

Timing:

• 1/4 note: Rhythmic, obvious
• 1/8 note: Subtle movement
• 1/8 dotted: Bouncy, groovy
• 1/16: Fast, filling

In Fruity Delay 3:

1. Set time (sync to BPM)
2. Adjust feedback (20-30% for subtle)
3. Mix level (15-25% typically)
4. Filter highs for subtlety

Ping-pong delay:

• Left-right bouncing
• Creates width
• Great for fills

Creating Depth

Front to back placement:

Front (dry, present):

• Lead vocals
• Kick and snare
• Main lead synth

Middle (slight reverb):

• Rhythm guitars
• Supporting synths
• Backing vocals

Back (more reverb):

• Pads
• Background textures
• Ambient elements

Control with:

• Reverb amount (wet/dry)
• Pre-delay (shorter = closer)
• High-frequency content (darker = farther)

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Step 7: Automation

What to Automate

Essential automations:

• Filter sweeps (build-ups)
• Reverb sends (distance changes)
• Volume rides (balance adjustments)
• Effect wet/dry (moments)

Creative automations:

• Pitch effects
• Distortion amount
• Delay feedback
• Panning movement

FL Studio Automation Workflow

Method 1: Right-click automation

1. Right-click any knob
2. "Create automation clip"
3. Draw automation in playlist

Method 2: Record automation

1. Enable record (red dot)
2. Enable automation record
3. Play project
4. Move controls in real-time
5. Stop to save

Method 3: Edit existing automation

1. Find automation clip in playlist
2. Double-click to open editor
3. Draw points or curves
4. Use hold, single curve, or double curve modes

Common Automation Moves

Build-up filter sweep:

• Automate low-pass filter from closed to open
• Start 8-16 bars before drop
• Full open at drop

Vocal reverb throws:

• Automate reverb send up at end of phrases
• Creates "tail" effect
• Back to dry for next phrase

Drop impact:

• Mute elements 1 beat before drop
• Full level on drop
• Creates impact

Volume rides:

• Subtle 1-2dB adjustments
• Even out vocal levels
• Balance changing elements

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Step 8: The Final Polish

Before Mastering Checklist

Listen on multiple systems:

• Studio monitors
• Headphones
• Phone speaker
• Car stereo

Check for:

• No clipping on master
• Balanced frequency spectrum
• Clear low-end (kick and bass defined)
• Vocals sit on top (if present)
• Stereo field is balanced
• Dynamics are appropriate
• No harsh frequencies

Reference Track Comparison

How to use references:

1. Import reference to playlist
2. Route to separate output (or mute/unmute)
3. Match volume (very important!)
4. A/B compare sections
5. Note differences

What to compare:

• Low-end balance
• High-end presence
• Vocal level
• Stereo width
• Overall loudness

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Mastering in FL Studio

Mastering Chain

Simple effective chain:

Master Channel → EQ → Compression → Limiter

1. Master EQ (Fruity Parametric EQ 2):

High-pass: 20-30Hz (remove sub rumble)
Low shelf: +1-2dB at 100Hz (warmth, if needed)
Mid cut: -1dB at 300-400Hz (clarity, if muddy)
High shelf: +1dB at 12kHz (air, if dull)

2. Master Compression (Fruity Limiter):

Threshold: -18dB to -12dB
Ratio: 1.5:1 to 2:1
Attack: 20-40ms
Release: Auto
Gain reduction: 1-3dB max

3. Stereo Enhancement (optional):

• Fruity Stereo Enhancer
• Subtle widening (10-20%)
• Keep bass mono

4. Limiter (Fruity Limiter):

Ceiling: -0.3dB to -1.0dB
Threshold: -14dB to -8dB (for streaming loudness)
Release: 100-300ms
Goal: -14 LUFS integrated

Loudness Targets by Platform

Measuring Loudness

In FL Studio:

Fruity Limiter:

• Shows peak and RMS
• Not perfect for LUFS

Better options:

• YouLean Loudness Meter (free VST)
• TBProAudio mvMeter2 (free)
• FL Studio's Wave Candy (stock, has LUFS)

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Exporting Your Track

Export Settings Guide

For Streaming (Final Release):

Format: MP3 or WAV
Bit depth: 16-bit
Sample rate: 44.1kHz
MP3 quality: 320kbps (if MP3)
Normalize: No (mastered already)

For Archive (Keep Forever):

Format: WAV
Bit depth: 24-bit or 32-bit float
Sample rate: 48kHz (video standard)

For Collaboration:

Format: WAV
Bit depth: 24-bit
Sample rate: 48kHz
Headroom: -6dB (not limited)

FL Studio Export Dialog

File → Export → WAV/MP3:

Mode:

• Full song
• Selection (if you want just part)

Quality:

• 512-point sinc (best, slowest)
• Lower for faster export

Options:

• dithering: Use for 16-bit export
• HQ for all plugins: Yes (slower but better)

Export Workflow

1. Final listen-through

• Export draft
• Listen on different systems
• Note any issues

2. Make final tweaks

• Fix any problems
• Re-export

3. Create multiple versions:

• Master (streaming)
• Instrumental (no vocals)
• Radio edit (shorter)
• Stems (for remixing)

Stem Export

When to provide stems:

• Remix contests
• Collaboration
• Live performance
• Licensing

How to export stems in FL Studio:

1. Solo each mixer channel
2. Export full song length
3. Repeat for all channels

Or use Patcher/Edison method:

1. Add Edison to each channel
2. Record during playback
3. Save each recording

Stem organization:

Stems/
├── 01_Kick.wav
├── 02_Snare.wav
├── 03_Hihats.wav
├── 04_Bass.wav
├── 05_Lead.wav
├── 06_Chords.wav
├── 07_Pad.wav
└── 08_Vocals.wav

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Quality Control Checklist

Before Final Export

Technical checks:

• No clipping anywhere
• -14 LUFS integrated loudness
• Peak below -1dBTP
• No pops or clicks
• Clean start and end (no cut-off reverb)

Musical checks:

• Arrangement flows well
• All elements are audible
• Balance is consistent
• No frequencies hurt your ears
• Works on multiple playback systems

Metadata:

• Track title
• Artist name
• Album (if applicable)
• Year
• Genre
• Comments/notes

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Your Complete Action Plan

Mixing Session Workflow

Step 1: Prep (5 minutes)

• Set up mixer view
• Organize channels
• Set rough levels

Step 2: Static Mix (20 minutes)

• Balance everything
• Pan appropriately
• Get foundation solid

Step 3: Processing (45 minutes)

• EQ cleanup
• Compression
• Effects

Step 4: Automation (20 minutes)

• Critical moments
• Movement and flow

Step 5: Final Polish (15 minutes)

• Reference comparison
• Final adjustments
• Export draft

Total: ~1.5 hours per track

Download Resources

Master your workflow with these:

• Music Production Checklist - Ensure nothing is missed
• FL Studio Template - Start organized
• Avicii Production Secrets - Mixing techniques

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Series Complete!

Congratulations on completing the FL Studio Workflow Mastery series!

What you've learned:

• Professional project setup and organization
• Efficient sound design and sample management
• Complete mixing and mastering workflow

Your next steps:

1. Implement these workflows in your next 3 projects
2. Customize to fit your style
3. Share your music with the world

Join the community:

• YouTube @livvux - Video tutorials
• Instagram @livvux - Tips and behind-the-scenes
• X @livvux - Quick tips

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The complete series:

• Part 1: Project Setup & Organization
• Part 2: Sound Design & Sample Management
• Part 3: Mixing, Mastering & Export (You are here)

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Questions? Share your FL Studio workflow tips in the comments!