FL Studio will play any sample, VSTi, DXi or Buzz plugin fed into it and also comes with its own generators (softsynths) and effects (filters).
Instrument / Generator Plugins
Channels and instruments: Each channel in FL Studio contains one instrument plugin. Instruments are usually synthesizers or sample players, used to create the melody and percussion in a song. FL Studio supports the VSTi, DXi, Buzz and FL Studio's own native plugin formats. Native instruments are the most flexible with 'per note' slides and right-click automation linking. The Channel settings Mixer track selector (shown below) determines the Mixer track routing for the selected Instrument.
Working with Instrument Channels
Adding an instrument
There are several ways to add a new instrument:
Add a new instrument channel - Use the Channels Menu > Add One > dialog.
Replace an existing instrument channel - Right-click on a Channel Button and select 'Replace >' from the pop-up context menu.
Drag an instrument preset from the Browser - Drag the preset from the Browser to the Channel Window OR drag a preset to a Mixer track and the instrument will be routed to this track and the Mixer track auto-named after the plugin.
Use the plugin picker - Open the Plugin Picker database (Ctrl + F8) and double-click an instrument OR drag to a Mixer track and the instrument will be routed to this track and the Mixer track auto-named after the plugin.
