What Is a Vocal Chain in FL Studio?
A vocal chain in FL Studio on Windows is a series of effects plugins placed in sequence on a Mixer channel to process a vocal recording. Each plugin in the chain addresses a different aspect of the vocal: the gate removes background noise between phrases, the compressor controls dynamic range, the EQ shapes the tonal character, and the reverb or delay adds space.
A vocal chain preset (.fst file) loads the complete chain onto any Mixer track instantly, eliminating the need to set up each plugin individually.
How to Set Up a Vocal Channel in FL Studio
Record your vocal into FL Studio on Windows or import a vocal WAV file into a new audio clip. In the Mixer, assign the vocal recording to a dedicated Mixer channel. Right-click or use the channel selector in the Channel Rack to route to a specific Mixer track number.
With the Mixer track selected, click the arrow icon at the top left of the track and choose Load state. Navigate to the vocal chain .fst preset file. The complete processing chain loads onto that track immediately.
Adjusting the Vocal Chain
After loading the vocal chain preset, three parameters typically need adjustment for your specific recording:
First, the gate threshold. Set the gate threshold just above the noise floor of your recording. Too high and it cuts the beginning of words; too low and it passes noise.
Second, the compressor threshold. Vocal recording levels vary by setup. Adjust the compressor threshold until the gain reduction meter shows 3–6 dB of reduction on the loudest phrases. The attack and release settings in the preset are designed for vocals and usually work without changes.
Third, the EQ gain points. The EQ in the vocal preset cuts typical problem frequencies but the specific cut depth and frequency may need small adjustments for your microphone and room characteristics.
Setting Up a Reverb Return for Vocals
The vocal chain preset routes the dry vocal signal to a reverb return channel via a Mixer send. In the Mixer on Windows, select your vocal track and find the send level for the reverb return channel. Adjust the send amount to control how much reverb space the vocal sits in. Keep the reverb return channel itself dry-only (no dry signal from the reverb channel itself).
Download the full vocal preset collection for FL Studio on Windows — includes rap vocal chain, melodic vocal chain, ad-lib preset, reverb return and delay return setups.