Chopping a loop into pieces you can replay in any order is one of the most creative moves in sample-based production. To slice samples in FL Studio, the two main tools are Slicex (for slicing and replaying via the Piano Roll) and Edison (for detailed editing). This guide shows how to slice a loop at its transients and rearrange it into something new.
Quick way: drag a loop into Slicex
The fastest method is to drag an audio loop from the FL Studio browser straight onto the Channel Rack while holding the option to open it in Slicex (or add a Slicex channel and load the sample into it). Slicex automatically detects transients and creates a slice marker at each hit.
- Open Slicex and load your loop.
- Check the slice markers — Slicex places them at detected transients. Use its slicing/sensitivity options to add or remove markers until each drum hit gets its own slice.
- Each slice is now mapped to a key, so opening the Piano Roll lets you trigger slices in any order.
Rearranging slices in the Piano Roll
Open the Slicex channel’s Piano Roll. Each note triggers a different slice, lowest notes usually playing the earliest slices. From here you can:
- Replay slices in a new order to create a fresh groove.
- Stretch or shorten how long each slice plays.
- Repeat a single slice for stutter and roll effects.
If the Piano Roll feels unfamiliar, our guide on how to use the Piano Roll in FL Studio covers the editing tools you’ll lean on here.
Dumping slices to the Channel Rack
Slicex can also send each slice to its own channel via its dump slices option. This is handy when you want to treat each chop as a separate drum sound — process them individually, swap sounds, or trigger them step by step. From there you can sequence them in the step sequencer like any drum kit.
Editing with Edison
When you want surgical control, use Edison, FL Studio’s built-in audio editor. Add it to a mixer track’s effect slot or open it from a sampler channel, then:
- Highlight a region and trim, normalise, or reverse it.
- Use its region/slice tools to mark cut points by hand.
- Drag an edited selection straight back into the Channel Rack or Playlist.
Edison is also where you clean up clicks and silence at the start of a sample before slicing, which keeps your chops tight.
Keep your slices in time
Slicing works best when the loop’s tempo matches your project tempo, otherwise slices may drift. Set your project BPM to the loop’s tempo, or use Slicex’s time-handling options so slices play back at the right speed. Tight timing here keeps the rest of your mix grooving.
Related FL Studio guides
Sliced drums slot neatly into a track — see how to arrange a song in FL Studio to build around them, and how to make a bassline in FL Studio to pair them with low end. More production tutorials are in the mixing and mastering hub.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Slicex and Edison for slicing?
Slicex automatically detects transients and maps slices to the Piano Roll so you can replay them as a kit. Edison is a full audio editor for precise manual editing, cleanup and trimming. Many producers use Edison to prep a sample, then Slicex to chop and replay it.
How do I slice a loop at every drum hit?
Load the loop into Slicex and let it auto-detect transients, then adjust the slicing sensitivity until each drum hit gets its own marker. You can add or remove slice markers manually if the detection misses a hit.
Why are my slices out of time?
Usually the loop’s original tempo doesn’t match your project tempo. Set your project BPM to the loop’s tempo or use Slicex’s time-stretch options so the slices play back in sync.
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