The feature list for FL Studio (a.k.a. Fruity Loops) shows some nice improvements.

The Sytrus FM Synth is central to this release.

Too bad I’m not a big synth guy. Yesterday there was plenty of folks in the “private” FL forums for registered users that voiced a hope that I too had not-so-secretly harbored: the “ACID” feature. That is: the ability to stretch a sample without changing pitch (and the other way around).

Sigh. Next time.

There is also talk of a new ‘XXL’ package that is everything that Imagine-Line sells for a ‘deep discount.’ Everybody needs a big box eventually. I guess.

[UPDATE]
Here’s the list of components in the XXL package:

• BeatSlicer (Fruity/Standalone)
• Fruity DrumSynth Live (Fruity)
• SimSynth Live (Fruity/VSti/Dxi)
• WASP (Fruity/VSti/Dxi)
• DreamStation DXi (DXi only)
• DX10 Synth (Fruity/VSti/Dxi)
• Fruity Sound Font Player (Fruity only)
• Sytrus FM Synth (Fruity/VSti/Dxi)
• FL Studio Producer Edition (Dwnld Only)

I think it’s $225, with %40 discount for current users, plus they subtract for component I already have (BeatSlicer and SoundFont player) which brings it down to $136 for ‘lil ol’ me.

I wish I tought I could use the stuff. We’ll see. In 2002 the rationale was “If I don’t do it the terrorists win,” then in 2003 it was “If I don’t do it then Sadaam wins” maybe in 2004 in can be “If I don’t do it then the Republicans win.” (That clanking sound you just heard was half of my readers falling off the VT bandwagon. I’ll miss both of ya…)

Meanwhile 4.51 and XXL have been posted to tucows but not reflected in their mirrors yet.