In this newest iteration there are actually not many new sounds or effects, although it comes stocked with more than 80 different instrument and effect plugins, from distortion and compression to delay, phasing and chorus. You get the typical range of features that previous users will be familiar with, such as effects chains, audio sends, sidechain control, advanced automation and plugin delay compensation. The very core of FL Studio is on-site composition, mixing and mastering and FL Studio 20 Producer builds on this, with minor tweaks and additions to offer even more creativity and power.

A plus is that version 20 retains the solid vector graphics that were introduced in the previous iteration. In terms of pure aesthetics, FL Studio 20 Producer remains pretty retro with a dark color scheme, which will appeal to some, while others will prefer to look at something a little more modern. Instead of one single timeline, FL Studio splits creative, mixing and arrangements into their own individual UI windows – in practice, we feel this really helps the workflow, although we can also see why some people brandish it as a bit cluttered. If you have used this DAW before, you will feel right at home as version 20 builds on the previous UI. In the past, people have been quick to criticize the way FL Studio looks and operates, but we are big fans.

Let’s take a closer look to see whether it is worth the upgrade. We must start this review by saying ‘happy anniversary’ to Image Line’s FL Studio, who are celebrating their 20th year in 2018 with the newly-updated FL Studio 20 Producer Edition! A little confusingly for regular users, this is actually the 13th iteration of the popular DAW – not the 20th (it’s just named that way to commemorate the special occasion).

Fl studio 10 producer edition