Creating White Noise Wooshes in FL Studio 12: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're an aspiring music producer or sound designer, one of the most essential and versatile elements to include in your creations is white noise. This seemingly simple sound can be used to enhance transitions, add depth to beats, and give your tracks that professional polish. One popular use of white noise in music production is making 'woosh' effects, which can greatly enhance the dynamics of your tracks. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to create white noise wooshes in FL Studio 12 (FL 12).

1. Set up a new project in FL Studio 12
   First, open FL Studio 12 and create a new project. If you're starting from scratch, select 'File' > 'New' from the FL Studio menu. Alternatively, you can use an existing project and simply add a new track or channel for white noise wooshes.

   
   



2. Add a new instance of 3xOSC
   In your Channel Rack, click the '+' icon to add a new channel. Choose '3xOSC' from the list of options. This is a powerful, built-in synthesizer within FL Studio that can generate white noise.

   
   



3. Configure 3xOSC for white noise generation

   
   

Now that you have an instance of 3xOSC, it's time to configure it. In the 3xOSC interface, set all three oscillators to produce white noise by clicking on the waveform icons and selecting the 'Random (white noise)' option. Additionally, turn off the volume for oscillators 2 and 3 by setting the 'Volume' knobs to 0.

1. Shape the white noise with ADSR
   To give your white noise wooshes some movement, we will utilize the Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release (ADSR) envelope generator within the 'Instrument properties' window. Lower the 'Sust' level and increase the 'Rls' parameter to create a smooth rise and fall effect.

   
   



2. Automate filter and volume settings
   To further add character to your white noise wooshes, you can use automation to control filter and volume settings. For example, you can use a low-pass or high-pass filter with automation to shape the frequency content of the white noise over time. Similarly, you can automate the volume level to create dynamic swells and fades.

   
   



3. Add effects and processing

   
   

FL Studio offers an array of effects to enhance your white noise wooshes even further. Experiment with adding reverb, delay, and chorus to create a sense of space and depth. You can also use compression, equalization, and distortion to adjust the tonal quality and dynamics of your wooshes.

1. Arrange your wooshes in the Playlist
   Now that you have your white noise wooshes sounding just right, it's time to arrange them in your project. Simply drag your 3xOSC channel onto the Playlist and use the 'Paint' tool to draw in your wooshes wherever you'd like them to appear.

In conclusion, creating white noise wooshes in FL Studio 12 is a great way to add texture, dynamics, and interest to your music productions. With a little practice, you'll be able to develop unique and captivating woosh effects that can significantly enhance your sound design arsenal.