Chopping samples in FL Studio can be confusing. (There’s a reason SliceX rhymes with complex.)

So, to make things easier, I’ve created a step-by-step guide that shows you how to chop samples in FL Studio.

(More on that in a moment.)

But first, let’s go over the essential information you need to know.

What is sample chopping in FL Studio?

Chopping samples in FL Studio is the process of cutting up a longer piece of audio into smaller, individual “chunks” or slices. Each slice represents a different part of the original sample, allowing you to rearrange and manipulate the audio in creative ways. It’s like arranging puzzle pieces into works of art.

FL Studio has several tools to help you cut samples easily. Each of these tools helps you to create segments that you can map to a controller and trigger individually to create unique patterns and arrangements.

Why you should learn to slice samples in FL Studio

Chopping samples in FL Studio can add a whole new level of creativity and uniqueness to your music production.

For example, imagine you have a drum break from an old funk record. By chopping it up, you can take the kick drum from the first beat, the snare from the second beat, and the hi-hat from the third beat. Then, you can rearrange these slices to create a completely new drum pattern that fits your music.

To further enhance your chopped samples, FL Studio provides various editing tools. You can adjust the start and end points of each slice, apply effects, change the pitch, add filters, and more. This allows you to manipulate the original sample in unique ways and make it fit your track perfectly.

These techniques can be applied to any audio source, not just drum breaks. You can chop up vocals, instruments, or any other sound you can imagine. The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to your creativity to explore different ways to use sample chopping in your music production.

Which plugins in FL Studio can help with sample chopping?

One of the most commonly used tools is Fruity Slicer. Fruity Slicer allows you to load up a sample and then slice it into smaller pieces, or “chops,” which you can then rearrange and manipulate in your music. It also has features like pitch-shifting, time-stretching, and various effects that you can apply to each chop.

Another tool that can be handy for sample chopping in FL Studio is the Edison plugin. Edison is a powerful audio editor and recorder that allows you to chop up samples and manipulate them in a non-destructive way. You can easily trim and cut your samples, and export them to different tools.

Another plugin is SliceX. It’s like a combination of Fruity Slicer and Edison combined. It’s perfect for chopping drum breaks and creating interesting rhythms.

But that’s not all!

FL Studio has other tools that allow you to use samples in your projects. Each one has its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s worth exploring and experimenting with them to find the ones that work best for your creative workflow.

Limitations when slicing samples in FL Studio

While FL Studio has plenty of sampling options, it also has its fair share of drawbacks.

One limitation is that you can’t chop samples on the fly while the audio is playing. This means that you will need to pause the audio before you can make any changes to the sample.

Another limitation is that not all the sampling plugins have audio editing functionality. If you want to chop a sample that is already a part of a project, you might need to open the sample in a separate editor like Edison. This can slow down your workflow.

Above all, the biggest limitation is an inability to automatically sync the tempo of your chops to your project. Once you chop a sample in FL Studio, there’s no easy way to stretch it so that it stays aligned with the other elements of your beat.

How to eliminate FL Studio’s sampling limitations

Many of these issues with chopping samples in FL Studio don’t exist in third-party sampling software.

But other sampling tools cost hundreds of dollars, have their own learning curve, and don’t seamlessly integrate with FL Studio like the native plugins.

So, how can you ensure the best possible sampling workflow in FL Studio?

I’ve assembled a guide with the best sampling tactics for FL Studio. It shows you how to chop samples seamlessly, and without limitations.

How to Chop any Sample in FL Studio

With this guide, you’ll learn how to chop any sample with consistency, even if you’re a complete beginner.

After learning these strategies, chopping samples will become your go-to technique. (“Goodbye copy-and-paste loops. Hello elite sample flips!”)

Start slicing samples effortlessly in FL Studio. Learn more below.