How to connecting DJ Controller with Fl Studio

While FL Studio (a DAW developed for producing, and occasionally live performing using "performance mode") is a DAW built for using 2/4 decks and mixers, it is not intended to be used with DJ Controllers. DJ software like Virtual DJ and Serato are built for using 2/4 decks and mixers.

FL Studio is not specifically designed for DJing, although it is still possible to utilize a DJ controller with it.

When you're a producer who became a DJ or a DJ who aspires to be a producer like I did, it sure is fun. They will have more useful effects that are more appropriate than you have available on your controller if you utilize a DAW like this for production.

You must first connect and map a DJ controller in order to use it with FL Studio. The many knobs for modulation and control mapping, such as the tempo fader (tempo in FL), volume, mixer-master volume, etc., will allow you to use the pads as drum pads or piano rolls.

I occasionally use FL Studio to DJ, create mashups, and even finish entire performances using solely automation clips. It may not be as complete as other DAWs, but it works for a guy like me who is transitioning from DJing.

Please attempt to understand the program first if you are just getting started before introducing the controller.

Let's get started right away!

Using a DJ controller with FL Studio and connecting it

If you're a producer who is just getting into DJing, you can perform an entire DJ set with FL Studio and a standard DJ controller. Live mashups can be performed with FL while adding controller-linked effects like Gross Beat and Love Philter.

When you connect a DJ controller to FL Studio, you can:

• Use that controller to operate the DAW
• Record using the pads and buttons to record FL Studio's simulated sounds
• Performing live

This is how you do it:

1. Utilize the cable provided by the manufacturer to connect your DJ controller to your laptop.
2. Click MIDI Settings from the Options menu at the top of FL Studio.
3. Choose the Rescan MIDI devices button located at the window's deep bottom.
4. Look at the Input section near the bottom of the window. Your DJ controller will be listed in that area. Once connected, FL Studio will identify the majority of units and list them in this area. The controller's actual name won't likely be displayed here. Most likely, the name USB Audio Device (Generic Controller) will appear. If nothing appears in the list, try again or look up how to link the controller to a laptop in the handbook for that device.
5. Choose the controller you want from this list. After that, select Enable from the list's bottom.
6. Try playing a song with your controller after choosing it in the Step Sequencer.

Try utilizing the "FL Studio ASIO" driver if you're having trouble connecting a DDJ-400. Don't forget to open the "buffer length" grey box in the audio options and click the controller as your output. The master-out knob on your controller and the volume control on your PC both allow you to change the volume.

Reset the computer after connecting and try again if the device only appears in the drivers and not the Buffer Length options.

If you are unable to get your FL Studio song to play through the controller-connected speakers, try resetting the driver settings.

Mapping

Your DJ controller may already be pre-mapped for specific DJ software, depending on the model. While I am unable to speak for other DAWs, I can only assume that mapping them would be difficult, if it were even possible. FL Studio has been my first foray into production, and I've found it to be quite user-friendly.

• Open the MIDI settings and switch on the universal controller.
• There should be a green or yellow notification in FL Studio's upper left corner after you turn a knob.
• Use the parameter you want to automate, such as a volume slider on a FL Studio instrument.
• To link to the controller, go to Tools -> Last Tweaked.
• Turn your DJ controller's knob or fader once a tiny window appears. This small window ought to be automatically assigned parameters and closed.

When we utilize midi mapping to assign certain pads, the DDJ-400 works with FL Studio, unlike some other Pioneers that are locked down to the DJ software they were designed for. The jog wheels can also be set up and used as turntables.

Although Numark does a fantastic job, I like Pioneer's feel.

With the Pioneer DDJ-SB3, it is also able to attach a MIDI DJ Controller to FL Studio to do tasks like scratching with the jog wheels.

If you map your controller to a specific parameter in the time area of the Gross Beat plugin, which has some scratching options, you should be able to achieve it.

You may map the pads to FL Studio and set the Jog wheels for scratching and EQs. Essentially, all you have to do is plug it in, set up the drivers, and then re-scan your MIDI devices in FL to enable all the inputs.

Simply scan it a few times if you're experiencing issues. After a few scans, FL will eventually detect the controller. You might also try connecting your jogging dial to Fruit Scratcher's record player control.

What About FL Studio for DJing?

FL is excellent for people who are interested in producing/writing their own music. All future updates are available for free for the rest of your life.

Fortunately, FL features a performance mode because making music is a different animal than DJing. For live DJing, it works beautifully. It will be simple peasy to do live stuff with FL if you previously produce with it because you are already familiar with how this DAW functions. Since all you're really doing is triggering loops and samples, FL's performance mode works fantastically if you're playing material that you either created in FL or for which you have the stems.

The majority of people use software like Serato or Rekordbox to record the scratches, which they then import into the DAW as an audio clip. However, there is a way to connect the jog wheel to any plugins like Edison or FL Scratch if you want to scratch over beats on FL.

If you're interested in DJing more than production, there might be better options than FL, as it's more geared to compose music from scratch, not necessarily mix tracks in a live fashion. It is feasible but would not be the best choice.

Although I'm not trying to talk you out of using a DJ controller with FL Studio, I would also like to recommend that you look at DJ-specific software like Rekordbox or Traktor Pro.

In the near future, if you wish to create your own songs, you should invest in a DAW, FL Studio being one that is suitable.

If you use a DAW for production (FL, Ableton, Reason, etc.), those effects will be better and more appropriate than what you can get with a DJ controller.

FL Studio and Pioneer should work well together, but compatibility with your laptop comes first.