Tech

FL Studio launches 21.2 update with new AI mastering feature

Software company Image-Line has also included stem separation and a direct-to-streaming upload feature powered by DistroKid

FL Studio's latest update, version 21.2, is out of beta and available for users to download.

Image-Line had released the beta in September, providing heavily anticipated features such as stem separation and AI mastering.

Stem separation splits songs into vocals, music, bass and drums. While results depend on source material, with elements sometimes left behind during separation, this new feature marks a big development in the integration of AI tech digital audio workstation.

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AI Mastering is part of the newly launched FL Cloud, a system integrated into FL Studio which also provides users with an extensive, royalty-free sample library and digital music distribution (DAW).

Powered by DistroKid, users can now upload tracks to digital streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music without having to leave their DAW.

Other new features include a Keppler, the "painstaking recreation of an iconic analog synth from the 80s," a Vintage Phaser and coloured waveform customisation.

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While FL Studio states its commitment to providing users with lifetime free updates, the digital audio workspace has introduced a new subscription fee.

Not all FL Cloud features are for free, with subscribers available to access all components for a monthly fee of $7.99 or an annual fee for $49.99, a limited offer before the prices rises to $79.99.

The full subscription offer of FL Cloud gives unrestricted, credit free access to all features and samples, whereas the free option offers a curated selection of loops and one-shots with unlimited use of AI mastering, albeit using a default genre preset.

Users are also given the option to make non-expiring purchases of specific artist packs or samples instead of signing up for the full subscription.

You can buy the latest version of FL Studio here

Tibor Heskett is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter