Let's dive into the awesome world of music production, specifically how to integrate the Arcade VST with the incredible sounds inspired by Duncan Laurence in FL Studio. If you're looking to elevate your tracks and infuse them with unique, emotive vibes, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from setting up Arcade to leveraging its features to capture that signature Duncan Laurence sound. So, buckle up, music creators, and let's get started!

Setting Up Arcade VST in FL Studio

First things first, let's get Arcade up and running in FL Studio. Arcade, created by Output, is a sample-based instrument plugin that offers a vast library of sounds, loops, and kits. Integrating it into FL Studio can seriously boost your creative workflow. Here’s how to do it:

1. Installation: Ensure that you have Arcade installed on your computer. Typically, after downloading Arcade from the Output website, you'll run the installer, which guides you through the installation process. Pay close attention to where the VST plugin is being installed, as you'll need this location in the next steps.
2. Open FL Studio: Launch FL Studio on your computer. Make sure you have the latest version installed for optimal compatibility.
3. Plugin Manager: Navigate to the Plugin Manager in FL Studio. You can find this by going to Options > Manage plugins. This window allows you to manage all your installed VST plugins.
4. Locate VST Plugin: In the Plugin Manager, you'll need to tell FL Studio where to find the Arcade VST plugin. Click on the "Add path" button and browse to the folder where Arcade was installed. This is usually in a VSTPlugins folder, often located in your Program Files directory. Make sure the folder containing Arcade.dll (or the equivalent file for macOS) is selected.
5. Scan for Plugins: After adding the path, click the "Start scan" button. FL Studio will scan the specified folder (and any subfolders) for new VST plugins. Arcade should appear in the list of detected plugins.
6. Favorite the Plugin: Once Arcade is found, you can mark it as a favorite by clicking the star icon next to its name. This will make it easier to find in the future.
7. Verify Installation: Close the Plugin Manager and open the Channel Rack in FL Studio. Click the "+" button to add a new instrument. Arcade should now be listed under the VST plugins. Select it to load it into your project.
8. Authorization: When you launch Arcade for the first time within FL Studio, you may be prompted to authorize the plugin using your Output account credentials. Make sure you have an active internet connection and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the authorization process.

Once Arcade is successfully loaded, you should see its interface within FL Studio. You're now ready to start exploring its extensive library of sounds and incorporating them into your music production. Remember, a smooth setup is crucial for an uninterrupted creative process, so take your time and ensure each step is followed correctly.

Exploring Arcade's Sound Library for Duncan Laurence-Inspired Sounds

Now that Arcade is up and running in FL Studio, the real fun begins: diving into its expansive sound library to find those perfect soundscapes that echo the style of Duncan Laurence. Duncan Laurence is known for his emotive, atmospheric, and often melancholic sound. Recreating a similar vibe requires careful selection of instruments and textures.

1. Navigating Arcade's Interface: Familiarize yourself with Arcade's interface. The plugin is organized into Kits and Lines. Kits are collections of loops and one-shots that work well together, while Lines are curated collections centered around a specific theme or artist. Use the search bar to quickly find specific sounds or genres.
2. Focus on Emotive Kits and Lines: Given Duncan Laurence’s signature sound, focus your search on kits and lines that evoke similar emotions. Look for keywords like “Ambient,” “Emotional,” “Melancholic,” “Cinematic,” and “Indie.” These categories often contain the types of sounds that will get you closer to the desired vibe.
3. Exploring Instruments: Duncan Laurence's tracks often feature piano, strings, and atmospheric synths. Use Arcade to find these types of instruments. Pay attention to the textures and timbres. For example, a heavily processed piano or a string section with a lot of reverb can add depth and emotion to your track.
4. Utilizing One-Shots: One-shots are single samples that can be used to create melodies or add accents to your tracks. Look for one-shots that have a unique character. Distorted sounds, vocal chops, or unusual percussive elements can add a distinctive flavor to your music.
5. Experimenting with Loops: Loops are pre-made musical phrases that can be easily incorporated into your compositions. Arcade has a vast library of loops in various genres. When searching for loops, focus on those that have a strong melodic or harmonic foundation. Use loops as a starting point and then customize them to fit your track.
6. Customizing Sounds: Don't be afraid to tweak the sounds in Arcade to make them your own. Use the built-in effects, such as filters, EQ, and reverb, to shape the sound to your liking. Experiment with different combinations of effects to create unique textures and timbres. Many of Arcade's instruments also have macro controls that allow you to quickly change the sound with a single knob.
7. Layering Sounds: Layering multiple sounds together is a great way to create depth and complexity in your music. Try layering different Arcade instruments together to create unique soundscapes. For example, you could layer a piano with a string pad and a subtle synth texture to create a rich and emotive backdrop.
8. Pay Attention to Rhythm: Duncan Laurence's songs often have a subtle and understated rhythmic feel. When selecting loops and one-shots, pay attention to the rhythm and make sure it fits the overall vibe of your track. Use simple and organic rhythms to create a sense of space and atmosphere.

By carefully exploring Arcade's sound library and experimenting with different sounds and techniques, you can capture the emotive and atmospheric quality that defines Duncan Laurence's music. Remember, the key is to focus on sounds that evoke strong emotions and create a sense of atmosphere.

Creating Melodies and Harmonies in FL Studio

Melodies and harmonies are the backbone of any song, and capturing the essence of Duncan Laurence's style in FL Studio requires a thoughtful approach. Duncan Laurence’s music often features simple yet emotionally resonant melodies and harmonies that create a sense of longing and introspection. Here’s how to craft similar melodies and harmonies using Arcade within FL Studio:

1. Start with a Simple Chord Progression: Duncan Laurence’s songs often revolve around relatively simple chord progressions. Start by creating a basic chord progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll. Common chord progressions in his style include progressions in minor keys, such as Am – G – C – F or Em – C – G – D. These progressions create a melancholic and introspective mood.
2. Use Minor Keys: Minor keys are essential for capturing the emotional depth of Duncan Laurence’s music. Experiment with different minor keys to find one that resonates with you. Pay attention to the relative major key as well, as incorporating elements from both keys can add complexity and interest to your compositions.
3. Incorporate Suspensions and Passing Chords: Add interest to your chord progressions by incorporating suspensions and passing chords. Suspensions occur when a note from one chord is held over into the next chord, creating a dissonant and unresolved feeling. Passing chords are chords that are used to smoothly transition between two other chords. These techniques can add a sense of movement and sophistication to your chord progressions.
4. Create a Memorable Melody: Once you have a solid chord progression, it's time to create a melody. Start by improvising over the chords, using a simple and intuitive approach. Focus on creating a melody that is easy to remember and emotionally engaging. Duncan Laurence’s melodies often feature a combination of stepwise motion and small leaps, creating a sense of both familiarity and surprise.
5. Use Phrasing and Dynamics: Pay attention to phrasing and dynamics when crafting your melody. Use variations in volume and rhythm to create a sense of ebb and flow. Duncan Laurence’s melodies often feature long, sustained notes that create a sense of longing and introspection. Use pauses and rests to create space and allow the melody to breathe.
6. Incorporate Vocal Harmonies: Vocal harmonies are a key element of Duncan Laurence’s sound. Experiment with creating harmonies that complement your melody. Try using both close harmonies (where the notes are close together) and open harmonies (where the notes are further apart) to create different textures. Pay attention to the intervals between the notes, as certain intervals can create different emotional effects.
7. Use Arcade Instruments to Enhance Melodies: Use Arcade instruments to enhance your melodies and harmonies. Experiment with different sounds, such as pianos, strings, and synths, to find the perfect timbre for your composition. Use effects, such as reverb and delay, to add depth and atmosphere to your melodies.
8. Experiment with Arpeggios: Incorporating arpeggios, which are broken chords, can add a layer of complexity and movement to your melodies and harmonies. Use Arcade's arpeggiated sounds or manually create arpeggios in FL Studio’s Piano Roll. Arpeggios can be particularly effective in creating a sense of anticipation and release.

By focusing on simple yet emotionally resonant melodies and harmonies, and by using Arcade instruments to enhance your compositions, you can capture the essence of Duncan Laurence’s signature sound in FL Studio.

Adding Depth with Effects and Mixing

To truly capture the essence of Duncan Laurence's sound, careful attention to effects and mixing in FL Studio is essential. His tracks are characterized by their spaciousness, depth, and emotional impact, achieved through a combination of reverb, delay, EQ, and compression. Let's explore how to use these tools to enhance your tracks:

1. Reverb: Reverb is your best friend when creating a sense of space and atmosphere. Duncan Laurence's tracks often feature lush reverbs that envelop the listener. Experiment with different types of reverb, such as plate, hall, and room, to find the perfect sound for your track. Use a combination of short and long reverbs to create depth and dimension.
2. Delay: Delay can be used to create interesting rhythmic effects and add depth to your sounds. Experiment with different delay times and feedback settings to create a variety of effects. Use subtle delays to add a sense of space, or use longer delays to create echoes and rhythmic textures. Ping-pong delays, where the sound bounces back and forth between the left and right channels, can also add width and interest to your tracks.
3. EQ (Equalization): EQ is essential for shaping the frequency content of your sounds and creating a balanced mix. Use EQ to remove unwanted frequencies, such as muddiness in the low end or harshness in the high end. Boost frequencies that you want to emphasize, such as the warmth in a vocal or the sparkle in a synth. Pay attention to the overall frequency balance of your mix and make sure that each element has its own space.
4. Compression: Compression can be used to control the dynamics of your sounds and create a more consistent and polished mix. Use compression to reduce the dynamic range of your sounds, making them louder and more present in the mix. Experiment with different compression settings, such as threshold, ratio, attack, and release, to find the perfect sound for your track. Be careful not to over-compress your sounds, as this can make them sound flat and lifeless.
5. Stereo Widening: Stereo widening techniques can be used to create a wider and more immersive soundstage. Use stereo widening plugins to spread your sounds across the stereo field, creating a sense of space and dimension. Be careful not to over-widen your sounds, as this can cause phasing issues and make your mix sound unnatural.
6. Sidechain Compression: Sidechain compression is a technique where the volume of one sound is ducked down when another sound plays. This can be used to create a pumping effect or to create space for certain elements in your mix. For example, you could sidechain the bass to the kick drum, so that the bass ducks down slightly every time the kick drum hits. This can help to create a tighter and more rhythmic mix.
7. Automation: Automation is the process of changing the parameters of your effects and plugins over time. Use automation to create movement and interest in your tracks. For example, you could automate the reverb time on a vocal to create a sense of drama, or you could automate the filter cutoff on a synth to create a sweeping effect.
8. Mastering: Mastering is the final step in the music production process, where you optimize your track for playback on various devices. Use mastering plugins, such as limiters and EQs, to increase the overall loudness of your track and to polish the final sound.

By paying careful attention to effects and mixing, you can create tracks that have depth, space, and emotional impact. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your music. Remember, the goal is to create a mix that is both technically sound and emotionally engaging.

Conclusion

Creating Duncan Laurence inspired music using Arcade VST in FL Studio is an exciting journey. By setting up Arcade correctly, exploring its sound library for emotive sounds, crafting thoughtful melodies and harmonies, and adding depth with effects and mixing, you can capture the essence of his signature style. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your unique spin on things. Happy music-making, guys! I hope this guide helps you in your musical adventures!