Question 1

What does Gross Beat do in FL Studio?

Accepted Answer

Gross Beat manipulates incoming audio in real time with Time and Volume mapping envelopes. Its Time section can create Half Speed, repeats, stutters, scratches, reverse-style movement, and other playback effects, while its Volume section can create rhythmic gating and sidechain-style pumping.

Question 2

How do I use Half Speed in Gross Beat?

Accepted Answer

Route the sound you want to process to a Mixer insert, load Gross Beat, and select a Half Speed pattern from the Time section. The effect changes how Gross Beat reads from its rolling audio buffer, making the source feel slower and darker. Use it selectively if the full-time effect removes too much energy from the arrangement.

Question 3

Can Gross Beat create sidechain pumping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Volume section can create a fixed rhythmic ducking pattern that sounds similar to sidechain compression. However, Gross Beat does not react to the actual kick signal, so a real sidechain compressor may work better when the kick pattern is irregular.

Question 4

Can I automate Gross Beat in FL Studio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gross Beat supports automation of its Time and Volume slot selection, which makes it possible to switch between normal playback, Half Speed, stutters, gates, and other patterns from the Playlist. Hold-style Automation Clip points are useful when you want direct changes between slots.

Question 5

Can I use Gross Beat on vocals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gross Beat works well for vocal stutters, repeats, rhythmic gates, and transition effects. Start with ad-libs or phrase endings so the manipulation remains noticeable without making the lead vocal difficult to understand.

Question 6

Can I use Gross Beat on the Master track?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but Gross Beat on the Master processes the entire mix, including the kick, 808, vocals, reverb, and effects. It is usually better suited to short global transitions or stutters than continuous processing unless the full-mix effect is an intentional part of the arrangement.

Question 7

What is the difference between Gross Beat sidechain and Fruity Limiter sidechain?

Accepted Answer

Gross Beat uses a predetermined Volume envelope, so the pumping happens according to the programmed rhythm even when the kick does not play. Fruity Limiter can use the actual kick as a sidechain trigger, which makes its gain reduction follow the real kick pattern.

Question 8

Why does Gross Beat click when I use a Time effect?

Accepted Answer

A click can occur when Gross Beat jumps abruptly between different positions in its audio buffer. Enable the Click reduction option first. If the transition still clicks, create a brief Volume-envelope dip around the Time jump so the level falls before the playback position changes.

Question 9

Is Gross Beat good for Trap beats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gross Beat works particularly well for Half Speed melodies, vocal stutters, dark transitions, gated textures, and short arrangement effects in Trap. The strongest results usually come from using those effects selectively rather than processing every melodic section in the same way.

Question 10

Is Gross Beat free with FL Studio?

Accepted Answer

Gross Beat is available inside FL Studio, but Image-Line currently documents it as a trial unless your license includes the plugin or you have purchased it separately. Check your FL Studio license before relying on Gross Beat in projects you need to reopen later.

FL Studio Plugins

How to Use Gross Beat in FL Studio: Complete Producer Guide