Set up the mix before you export
FL Studio renders the Master mixer track. Anything not routed to it, directly or through another track, is left out of the render, and muted mixer tracks, including the Master, are not exported.
- Take a limiter or maximizer off the master bus (or bypass it) so the master does the final limiting, and leave peaks around −6 to −3 dBFS. Keep any bus compressor that is part of your mix sound.
- Check the Master meter on the loudest section. If it touches 0 dB, turn the mix down rather than the master up.
- Listen once to the whole song before you render, including the last bar: the render length follows your time selection, then the last time marker, then the end of the last bar with data.
The export, step by step
- Open the File menu and choose Export, then WAV (the project is rendered in a non-real-time process).
- Mode: Song, to render the whole song rather than the selected pattern.
- Tail: Leave remainder (the default), so a reverb or delay does not get cut off after the last bar.
- Output format: WAV, 24-bit integer. FL Studio's manual calls 24-bit a common bit depth and 32-bit float its mixer's native format; OBRA reads either, 24-bit is plenty.
- Tick Enable master effects, so the effects on the Master channel are in the file.
- Set quality, then click Start and keep the WAV.
| Option in FL Studio | Set it to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Song | Pattern mode would render only the selected pattern |
| Tail | Leave remainder | Extends the render to capture decaying sounds; it is the default |
| WAV bit depth | 24-bit integer (32-bit float also fine) | 16-bit is the CD format; a file you will process further keeps more detail at 24 or 32 |
| Sample rate | Set in Audio Settings (F10) before rendering | The render uses the mixer's rate; 44.1 kHz is the standard, 48 kHz if the song goes to video |
| Enable master effects | On | Without it, the effects on the Master channel are not in the render |
| Dithering | Off | Only for a 16-bit render, and only once, on the final file |
| Resampling | 512-point sinc if you can wait | FL's manual suggests it when in doubt on a final render; the render takes longer |
| Trim PDC silence | Leave on | Removes the delay plugin latency adds to the start of the WAV (it is the default) |
Mistakes that FL Studio makes easy
- A limiter left on the Master (Maximus, Fruity Limiter) means you master an already limited file; the result is loud but flat. Bypass it for the export.
- A tail that gets cut because the last pattern ends exactly on the bar line. If Leave remainder does not capture it, FL's manual suggests a Playlist repeat marker after the last clip.
- Rendering with the playlist selection on by accident: only the selected time range is rendered.
- Exporting an MP3 "to save time". Master from the WAV; an MP3 has already thrown data away.
Drop the file into OBRA
- Open obra.art/mastering and drop in the WAV you just rendered. It is read in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
- Wait a few seconds: you get three masters, Natural, OBRA and Loud, with every move explained.
- Switch between them while the song plays, and against your original at the same loudness (OBRA matches it so louder does not fool you).
- Open the Platforms view to see how Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube will play the master.
- Download the 24-bit WAV or FLAC. Two songs a day are free with no account.
Rendered at 24-bit, the WAV is the best source you can give any mastering tool. OBRA hands back a 24-bit WAV or FLAC at 44.1 or 48 kHz, ready for DistroKid, TuneCore or any distributor.
If the mix itself is the problem
A master cannot fix a mix that is out of balance. If you hear that, upload your tracks to OBRA ULTRA: an OBRA engineer mixes and masters the song and sends a WAV and a written note, $19 / €19 / £19 per round, back within 72 hours (limited spots each week).
Frequently asked questions
What export settings should I use in FL Studio for mastering?
WAV, 24-bit integer, the project's sample rate (44.1 or 48 kHz), Song mode, Tail on Leave remainder and Enable master effects on, with no limiter on the Master bus and peaks around −6 to −3 dBFS.
Should I export 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit float from FL Studio?
For a file you will master, 24-bit or 32-bit float. FL Studio's manual says 16-bit is enough for music distribution but to use 24 or 32-bit for production files; 32-bit float is its mixer's native format.
Do I need dithering when I export from FL Studio?
Not at 24-bit. FL Studio's dithering applies to 16-bit WAV and MP3 renders and should be applied only once, on the final file.
Can I master an FL Studio song for free?
Yes. Export the WAV and drop it into OBRA Audio Mastering: two songs a day are free, with all three masters and a 24-bit download, and no account.