Linking tracks in FL Studio essentially means routing audio from one or more channels in the Channel Rack to a specific Mixer track for processing (EQ, effects, etc.). Here's how you do it:
Quick Linking (Single or Multiple Channels to One Mixer Track):
- Select the Channel(s): In the Channel Rack, click the boxes next to the channel names you want to link. This will highlight them. You can select multiple channels by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking.
- Select the Destination Mixer Track: Click the Mixer track number you want to send the selected channels to.
- Link! Press Ctrl+L. This will route all selected channels to the chosen mixer track.
Sequentially Linking Channels to Mixer Tracks:
This is useful when you want to route multiple channels each to a consecutive mixer track, starting from a specified track.
- Select the Channel(s): As before, select the channels in the Channel Rack you want to link. The order in which you select them matters!
- Select the Starting Mixer Track: Click the Mixer track number you want to start linking from.
- Sequentially Link! Press Ctrl+Shift+L. This will route each selected channel to the next available mixer track, beginning with the one you selected. So, if you select three channels and start at mixer track 5, the channels will be routed to tracks 5, 6, and 7, respectively.
Alternative Method (Right-Click):
- Select the Channel(s): Select the channels in the Channel Rack you want to link
- Right Click on the Channel(s):
- Choose Assign to new mixer track or Assign to selected mixer track:
Important Considerations:
- Routing from the Mixer: You can also route audio from a mixer track to another mixer track. Select the sending mixer track, then right-click the arrow at the bottom of the receiving track. Choose "Route to this track only" to replace existing inputs, or "Sidechain to this track" to add the selected track as an input.
- Checking Routing: To see which channels are routed to a specific mixer track, select the mixer track. The channels routed to it will be highlighted in the Channel Rack.
- Multiple Channels to the Same Track: You can route as many channels as you want to the same mixer track. This is how you typically group instruments (e.g., all drums) together for combined processing.
- "Send" Tracks: Consider using "send" tracks (Aux tracks) for effects like reverb or delay. Route channels to these tracks in addition to their main mixer track, not instead of. This allows you to apply the effect in parallel.
By following these steps, you can effectively link and route audio within FL Studio's mixer, allowing for more nuanced mixing and sound design.
