Making a lo-fi beat can be an exciting and creative way to explore music production.
As musical genres evolve and expand, so do the tools and techniques we use to create them.
If you’re looking to make a lo-fi beat, one great way to do so is on a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as FL Studio.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make a lo-fi beat on FL Studio.
We’ll discuss selecting the right samples, manipulating certain effects, and other techniques to get the sound you want.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned producer, this guide will help you make some great lo-fi beats.
So, let’s get started!
1. Find the perfect samples
The next step to making a lofi beat on FL Studio is to find the perfect samples.
Because lofi music is so unique and often has lo-fi elements, it’s important to select samples that are appropriate for the genre.
Look for samples that are old-school sounding, vintage, or have a lot of texture and character.
You can also try out different sound effects to give the beat more depth.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different samples to find the perfect ones for the song you’re making.
2. Set the tempo of the track
Setting the tempo of the track is an important step in making a lofi beat on FL Studio.
The tempo is the speed of the beat, and it should be slow and mellow to capture the lofi sound.
A good starting point is around 80-100 BPM, though you can experiment with different speeds to find the one that you like best.
Once you have chosen the tempo for your track, you can use the Tempo control in the Transport window to set it.
This will ensure that any audio you add to the project is in the correct tempo.
3. Organize your samples
Once you have gathered your samples and sounds, it’s important to organize them in a way that makes sense.
Start by creating folders in your project window that are labeled according to the type of sample you have.
For example, you could have folders labeled “Drums”, “Synths”, “Vocals”, and so on.
This will help you keep track of your samples and make it easier to find the right sound when you need it.
You can also use color-coding to further differentiate between your samples and make your project window look more organized.
4. Build your drum track
Now that you’ve got your sample selected, it’s time to build your drum track.
There are plenty of drum kits available to use in FL Studio, or you can create your own.
You can mix and match different drums to create your own unique sound.
To get the classic lofi sound, try using a kick, snare, hi-hat, and a shaker.
Make sure to adjust the velocity and panning of each drum to really get the beat to move.
Experiment with different sounds and patterns to get the right groove.
5. Layer and sequence your samples
After you’ve found the perfect samples for your lofi beat, it’s time to layer and sequence them.
Start by loading them into the Channel Rack.
Experiment with different arrangements to get the composition you’re looking for.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try layering samples of different pitches, timbres, and instrumentation to get a unique and interesting sound.
Make sure to pay attention to the way the samples interact with each other; small adjustments can make a big difference.
When you’re satisfied, drag the samples into the Playlist and arrange them in a logical order.
6. Add effects and EQ
Once you’ve laid down the basic structure of your beat, it’s time to get creative!
Adding effects and EQ is a great way to give your beat the unique sound you’re going for.
Try adding a reverb to make your beat sound more distant and dreamy, or an EQ to add a bit of extra bass or treble to certain elements.
Experiment with different effects and EQ settings to find the perfect balance for your beat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and play around with different settings until you get the sound you’re looking for!
7. Arrange the track
Next, it’s time to arrange the track.
This is an important step.
You want to decide where each part of the beat goes and how you want it to sound.
You can play around with the order of the beat, as well as how long or short you want each part to be.
You can also add effects and automation to the different parts to make them sound more unique.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and go outside the box when you’re arranging your track.
8. Mix and master the track
Now that you’ve done all the hard work, it’s time to give your track the perfect finishing touch.
Mixing and mastering are essential for achieving an optimal sound.
This step is all about refining the track and bringing out the best of your sounds.
Start by bringing up the volume of each track and adjusting the elements of the mix to make sure they all sound good with one another.
Then, use a limiter to bring the track up to a louder level while controlling the peaks.
Finally, use an equalizer to add some warmth and character to the overall sound.
With these mixing and mastering techniques, you’ll be able to create a lofi beat that you can be proud of.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a lofi beat on FL Studio is a relatively simple process.
With the help of some tutorials and a bit of practice, anyone can learn to make their own lofi beats.
As you gain more experience with the program, you can start to experiment with different sounds and techniques to create unique and interesting beats.
With enough time and effort, you’ll be able to make beats that you can be proud of and share with the world.
